| When Robert Louis Stevenson penned these words, | | | | and peaceful and seems easier. The gift for the king is |
| he gave the world a complete menu for a positive | | | | still not tallied; no one is sure of what to buy. Would a |
| attitude through life. "The world is so full of a number | | | | new shirt, a tie, with socks to match, or a whole new |
| of things I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings". | | | | outfit be a proud affirmation of Dad? Socks are |
| What would a king desire, more than his kingdom? | | | | always reliable as a gift for Father, for he understands |
| What secret wish would he need or want? | | | | the difficult part of choosing a gift and he appreciates |
| A Father knows the needs of his children, as he | | | | our love and effort. He receives all of our gifts with a |
| provides for them. His treasured secrets are for his | | | | grateful heart. |
| wife and children, the kingdom of his heart. What does | | | | Does Father enjoy sports? Golf or hunting, or travel? |
| he want for Christmas for himself? What special | | | | Consider what he most needs for his favorite hobby. |
| present would best fulfill his dreams? | | | | At this time of year, the South Dakota scene includes |
| The Christmas list, Dad's secret wishes, must be | | | | new togs for pheasant hunting. A hunter can always |
| deciphered with careful scrutiny by members of the | | | | use a new outfit so he will be warm and dry. A gift of |
| kingdom. What does Father want for Christmas? | | | | the new gun he has been wanting will bring added |
| Often Dad does not present his wants and needs in a | | | | excitement to his hunting experiences. |
| neat little package we call a Christmas list. | | | | Every Dad appreciates a gift that is handmade for him. |
| He keeps them secret in his heart. The secret of love | | | | A Father can see the depth of love in such a gift. It is |
| that Christmas brings is a gift that we who learn to | | | | a gift that cannot be measured in dollars and cents. |
| give a piece of our heart away will understand the | | | | The thought and effort of an original creation is a |
| needs of others. It is difficult to know what someone | | | | reflection of the heart. It is no secret. This gift is |
| else wants for Christmas as the secret wish list is | | | | custom made, given with special love. |
| often tucked away. Nevertheless, there is a window in | | | | How will we know when Father's secret wish list is |
| each heart. Often we look through the glass and | | | | complete? When we thought we had found his secret |
| decide for ourselves what is inside, but in the clear | | | | wants and needs, we hastened to gift him with what |
| darkness we never really know. | | | | we thought was best for him. What if his secret wish |
| Everyone in the kingdom looks to the best for | | | | list is really acceptance and appreciation of whatever |
| Christmas. The king is open to listening and life is quiet | | | | gifts he receives? |