So, its that time of year when we traditionally send and receive Christmas cards from friends and relatives. Maybe you don’t even send out many, if any cards anymore, but surely there are a few people in your life that will send you a card this time of year, even if you haven’t seen them in person for years. I usually get a few cards from friends who have moved further away, but that is still good to hear from. Sometimes its just a signed card, or a photo collage, but even that is still appreciated. I used to write a whole letter updating what has been going on in the previous year, even just to help me remember, but its been a while since I’ve done that as well. So, whether its a letter, a photo, or a phone call, who do you most look forward to hearing at this time of year?
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3
Besides getting an update on what your friends or family members have been doing, who do you go to most often to talk about what is going on in your life. It may be your wife, or it may be just an old friend who you can talk to about anything. I used to have a few Christian friends who I could converse with for hours when given the opportunity, but not as much anymore. I find that often it takes some intention by either person to call, or plan a meeting, because those don’t normally just happen on their own very often. I have had good friends who lived out of state that I would try to visit in person at least once a year, but that has gotten a bit more difficult in recent years also, though the desire is still there. Though visiting in person is still probably a good practice, sometimes I can have a more meaningful 20 minute conversation over the phone than I can in a 2 day visit. Regardless, its good to have a few friends you can go to on a somewhat regular basis. Are there some people in your life that you can talk to about most anything?
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
Do you still relate to God, and talk to Him the way you do your best friend? Maybe your conversations are not about the same things, and maybe they happen more of less often, but there is something to be said about sharing your heart with God more than just a few times in your life. Are your prayers more of a wish-list, or are they about seeking advice on what to do about some pressing questions. How much of your prayer is talking and how much is listening? Even when visiting with a friend, it may be more valuable to listen than it is to talk sometimes. And when you listen, how often do you hear, clearly what the other person is saying. It doesn’t usually hurt to ask again if you want to make sure. Whoever may be your most trusted confidant, I hope your time spent with them is a blessing to you both.
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. Psalm 139:1-4
Yours in Christ,
Clark
