A Phone Call That Will Change Your Holiday

One of the reasons I wrote And You Invited Me In is so family will not have an empty chair at their table for the holidays. No matter what is celebrated—whether it is religiously inspired or simply a tradition of good cheer—consider who might be missing. My family tradition is based on religious values that extend good will toward men. We can’t get so caught up in the things we do to forget those who are not included. It is time to pick up the phone and invite them home for a meal or to join us at McDonalds for coffee.

Who might these people be? Well, consider the sort-of-crazy aunt whose children rarely call, or that bossy cousin who wants to tell everyone what to do. We grit our teeth and mash the potatoes, hoping they will go home early. Yet by including them, our children see that we love unconditionally even when it is most difficult.

It might not be the spinster aunt, but instead a brother who has chosen a different road than the family accepts, and he hasn’t called in a year. Step out and extend the hand of grace to draw him back into the family fold. The warmth that enters the heart from that act of grace will be like a cracking fire on a cold night; simply giving love this season that asks for nothing in return. Make the phone call that will open doors to the heart!

Happy Holidays!