I’ll never forget Thanksgiving 2021.
My mom’s house was full of chaos. My dad was the father of five sons, so family gatherings are pretty loud and full of testosterone. My son’s crazy uncles were embellishing stories I would have to correct later. Grandkids were out of control, loud laughter from my uncles could be heard from around the house, and last-minute meal preparations were under way.
Finally, Mom gathered the family and made a few sentimental comments about family members who were not with us anymore, like my dad. We prayed together as a family and then scattered around the house to find a place to indulge in too much food. I had the wonderful privilege of sitting next to my cousin Ashley who was a beautiful soul I rarely got to see or talk with.
Ashley had just graduated from college and moved to New York City to be a fashion designer. She was full of life and dreams for the future. It was such a joy to listen to her stories and to hear about her adventures. We talked about God, and I told her of a few friends who were in ministry in New York. We exchanged numbers, and I was looking forward to continuing conversations with her in the future.
You never know when a conversation with someone close to you will be your last. Ashley died suddenly at her home the next week.
In a few weeks, we will have the unique opportunity to be on mission with family and friends during Christmas. You may have a few crazy uncles or siblings that you can only tolerate for one day a year. You may not know some of them very well at all. Listen to their stories. Encourage them if there has been heartache this past year. Share with them about what God has done in your life this past year.
Don’t miss the opportunity to share the hope only found in the gospel. Sometimes your family members are the most difficult ones to talk to about Jesus. You don’t want to come across as judgmental. They know your faults and it makes you feel like a hypocrite. Most of the time, it is because we believe there will be a next time. If it is the last conversation you ever have with someone you love, would you want it to be about the weather?
You don’t choose your family. God has uniquely placed you there to be salt and light in a bland and dark world. Make the most of every opportunity this Christmas season. Give them the wonderful gift of your patience, time, and listening ear. But above all, share the love of Jesus with your actions and your words.