As my son opened his gifts Christmas morning, I watched as his interests shifted to the next gift from the last. It's such a strange thing, gift-opening: you are so excited to get into the wrapped present before you, and when you see what's inside, you feel joy and excitement as well, thinking of what fun moments this item will bring you.

But you have to move on to the next gift - there is more of the task ahead.

I also watched as he played the guitar I - er, Santa - brought him, and how he shows more talent and interest in music each day (yep, he's three, and realizing that the regular guitar with it's fretted neck was still too hard for him, I went with a lap steel for now).

Then I watch as he played with his Fisher Price digital camera - the hit of the day. Walking around our house and family's houses, taking photos like a little professional photographer.

Wanting to paint with his new watercolors. Wanting to play and make stuff with his Play-doh.

So much potential to grow each and any (or all) of these talents. As a father, I can only hope he finds joy in any and all efforts he makes, and that he lives up to that potential.

At this time of year, I think of God's infinite wisdom in putting experiences in our lives that, for lack of a better term, mimic, His love for us.  The unconditional love of a parent for their children - the hopes and fears we have for them, the joy we experience in seeing them use their talents and gifts, and the love that it takes to let them figure some things out on their own.

In this season, I pray that we all strive to live up to the potential that God has put in us, that we use our talents and gifts to further honor and praise He that gave life to all of us, and allowed His son to die for the sins we committed and commit.

Let's live up to the potential to be Christlike in 2008 and for the rest of our earthly lives. 

I think that's a pretty darn good resolution.