I know I would spend hours with the Sears Christmas catalog, scanning every page, imagining what it would be like to have this toy, that doll, or the latest board game. (Collectible horses were my favorite.) Then I would carefully write my list and post it on the refrigerator for all to see – and for Santa to fulfill.

When was the last time we took the same effort to determine and ask for what we want in our life? You know, really looking at all the options out there, reviewing each one, mentally trying each one on for size, and then writing a wish list of how we desire to live. My guess is that many of us do not take the time. But what happened when we were young and responded, ” I don’t know” to Aunt Sally’s question of what we wanted? That year’s gifts were tube socks, pajamas, and a well-meaning but misguided gift.