More or Less?

One of the great joys of the Christmas season is receiving cards, letters, and photos from friends and family. On the other hand, putting them together and sending them out can be a pain...and expensive!

But, I was thinking about something the other day. Amy and I are abundantly blessed to have so many great people in our lives - amazing friends and family who have touched our lives in significant ways over the years.

At our current count, we have around 145 Christmas cards we'll be mailing out. Each year we go through all the names and addresses, and each year we add more and more to the ever-expanding list! And, here's the question I want to ask you:

Does your Christmas card list grow LONGER each year, or SHORTER?

Are you building relationships with others, and continuing to expand your sphere of influence? If so, your list likely grows each year. If not, it becomes easier and easier for you to cross names and addresses off your list. Less time, sure. Less money spent on stamps. But, almost certainly less joy than you could experience relationally by getting to know others more deeply.

And, on the flip side, if becomes much easier for others to cross YOUR name off their lists.

Maybe it's time to take a closer look at your Christmas list, and maybe take a deeper look inside your heart. There are likely countless people who would love to have you speak encouragement in their lives...and maybe it can all begin with simply sending them a card this Christmas!