Recently I found myself in conversation with a girl who is working with a local church to bring a Syrian family to Canada before Christmas.
A few days later I found myself in conversation with another girl who shared how, when her kids were little, she asked God for parenting wisdom. That’s all she wanted. She just wanted to be a wise parent. And it’s still her desire today.
Then I found myself in conversation with a girl who, when I asked how her day was going, said, “Great! I spent the entire day purging my house of excess stuff that I could salvage and donate to people in need this Christmas.”
I left each and every conversation feeling a deep draw towards more compassion and empathy in my life.
Encourage one another and build each other up….
I left every conversation challenged to get on my knees and seek more of God’s wisdom and understanding.
He who walks with the wise grows wise…
I left every conversation inspired to do more of what matters in this world rather than be caught up in what doesn’t.
As iron sharpens iron…
Christmas is a time of friendship, indeed, but it’s about the right kinds of friendship. You know those people who make you want to be a better person? Ya, hang out with those people more.
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:12-14
Christmas idea: pick five friends from your Facebook list, people you wouldn’t normally reach out to, and write them a Merry Christmas message.
Christmas prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of friendship. Thank you for the people You have placed in my life to help me grow, change and evolve for the better. Whether I am laughing or learning a lesson, I know it’s because You desire for me to continuously grow into Your likeness. I pray You would give me wisdom to align myself with the kinds of people that will stir my compassion and ignite conversations of purpose. But especially during this Christmas season, use my friendships to make a difference in Your world somehow, and in some small way. Amen.
