Whatever. That's another discussion for another day.
What I have learned from this experience is a valuable principle. Each and every day my daughter wakes up the first thing she ponders on when her eyes open it is "where is the elf"?
She enthusiastically goes about the house looking for the elf and when she finds him she smiles and laughs at his mere presence. The eagerness by which she goes about finding him tickles me and teaches me something of infinite value.
When I wake up do I possess the same eagerness to go and find God through prayer & the Word? Is it an awe consuming desire to meet with Him as soon as my eyes awaken to the new day?
Can I confess that more often than not I wake up, go turn on the coffee, ponder the emails, details and objectives of the day before I thank God and search for Him? This is not to say that any of those things are wrong but I default to busyness before communion with my Lord and Savior.
The difference is clear, while the elf moves about, God never moves. He is right there waiting to draw near to those who draw near to Him. God does not hide Himself from His children, He is right there accessible through His means of grace.
This whole experience has taught my to critically think through how I can shape my daughter to search for God in the same way she seeks out that elf every morning. As I shepherd and guide her heart I need to careful that I am obedient and searching out God for myself, depending on His Spirit, and living with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving.
Like my daughter when she finds the elf, I also laugh and get filled with joy when I meet with my Savior who loved me while I was unlovable and desiring of death and punishment. I find peace when I seek the God of the Word who redeemed me from my sins and gave me a new life with a new motivation.
As my daughter realizes as she matures that the elf doesn't really watch over and report to Santa about her behavior, I hope to train her that there is One far more important watching over her, desiring an intimate relationship with her. One who truly does see the heart of man and extends loving grace to His children not simply for their benefit of getting stuff, but for His own glory to be on display in their lives.
