The Way Things Should Be

Our son, Nolan came down stairs this morning to find a drum set. Santa had dropped through the chimney and eaten the pound cake, marshmallows and demolished a can of coke that our children left in anticipation of his visit. Once again, he took care of all five kids.

Nolan didn't seem surprised to see the beloved drum set he'd been asking for since June.

Each time he was asked what Santa was bringing him, he'd state emphatically "Drum Set". He ran the words together so they came out as one. "Drum Set". And he never waivered. Three years old, and he already knows what he wants out of life....or at least out of Santa.

When he saw the drum set, he didn't shriek. His eyes didn't widen and shimmer with glee. He didn't race over to the set, astonished that Santa had once again, remembered him as one of the good boys. No shock. No giddiness.

I way overthought this over my morning Duncan Donuts coffee. It appeared as if Nolan knew he'd been good, and of course! It's the way things should be, and nothing inbetween. It was simple. He'd been good. He wanted a drum set. Santa took care of good little boys, and our son trusted that it would all work out the way it was supposed to. He trusted, and therefore, it was no surprise. It was, quite simply, the way thing should be.

It isn't always that way, though. We know of one person this morning, who trusted that things would work out the way they are supposed to. And they didn't. And it cost him a lot. We mourn when our trust is shattered, because it would be like my son coming downstairs, certain that things work out....only to find that his drum set isn't there. Suddenly, all is askew. Everything he knows about life is disrupted, and it's a shock. And in some way, he'd be changed.

My hope is that the grown up little boy who didn't get his drum set, gets it soon. Because above all things, there should be a happy ending. And the grinch shouldn't win.

And like my son, I believe with all my heart, that Santa is going to come through. I believe, indeed, that there is one more drum set awaiting delivery before the week is out.

Merry Christmas, once again.