What’s Really Important

Sweet Janice and I were privileged to attend a very special Christmas party this past week. There was the usual fun gift exchange plus lots of food and merriment. A couple we are friends with ask for prayer as he awaited the results of a biopsy to determine if he had lymphoma cancer; his voice betrayed the fear inside as he spoke. I am pleased to report we have since learned that he does not have cancer.

Since we are dedicated to serving folks whose hobby involves woodturning, making different items with artistic components and generally being creative, this event really snapped me back into reality. While we are very busy filling Christmas orders, getting ready for a busy show season involving hotels, lots of winter travel with snow and ice and trying to manage a thriving business via long distance, the one thing we haven’t been worried about is whether or not we will be alive to do the work. The day before Thanksgiving, my daughter lost her husband’s father, the other father–in–law.

As another gift giving season quickly arrives, we might be well advised to reevaluate the important things and put the urgent things in perspective. I have asked for a family dinner with all of the kids and grandkids for my Christmas present this year (along with socks and underwear). Don’t overspend on temporary gifts that won’t be appreciated, but make time to be with those you love. This year why not work on not being easily offended by those loved ones who can offend us so easily. Sweet Janice and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and God’s blessings on all of your families, because wherever you go, there you are.

Here is my inspiration for this message:

Philippians 2

1 If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care – 2 then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep–spirited friends. 3 Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet–talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. 4 Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. 5 Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.