Tip: Here is how to make Christmas last all year!
So many of you have responded to us throughout the year by telling us how much these Tips mean to you each week. While we do not do it to get a response, we are grateful when someone takes the time to tell us that these Tips have made an impact and a difference in his or her life. Hopefully this Tip will be a great gift to you!
Most of us love Christmas. Regardless of a person’s religious affiliation, the end of December brings a lot of excitement and generosity towards others. It is a special time of the year when hearts are filled with love for family and friends. It is also a season for gift giving. Just as your encouragement has been a gift to us throughout the year, I want to suggest that this year you give a Christmas gift all year long to people you meet. What might that be? The gift is WORDS. Let me explain.
You have probably heard me use Proverbs 18:21, which reminds us that, “life and death are in the power of our words”. When we speak to another person, we are either speaking words of life or words of death into them. Stop and think for a minute. Would you agree that before this day ends you could say something to your husband, wife, or significant other that could upset them or make things a little worse between you and them? Well, if you believe that you could do that, you must also believe that you could say something that would make things a little better. It really does boil down to the power of our words.
I have noticed that when I take the time to correctly phrase what I am saying to another person, it usually puts a smile on their face and a lift in their step. In short, it makes their day! A while back, I was with my family at a birthday party for my daughter Esther, in a bowling ally/sports bar/restaurant. As I was leaving, I asked if I could speak to the manager. The server asked me if everything was okay. I assured her that it was but that I needed to speak to the manager. When the manager came to the table, I could tell he was very nervous. I suppose he was bracing himself for the tongue lashing he expected. Boy, was he surprised (and relieved) when I said to him, “We had a great time here today. My entire family enjoyed the experience. I am going to tell all my friends about this place! Everyone who works here has such a great attitude and the service is wonderful. I look forward to coming back real soon.” He honestly did not know what to do. His eyes filled with tears as he said, “Thank you so much!” You see, I had spoken life into him with my words.
If you want to say something to someone, take a few minutes to think it through. You may even want to write out what you want to say. Share with them from your heart the fact that you appreciate or love them more than they realize. Let them know that you would like to give them a special gift. Tell them, “The gift I want to give you is the gift of my words.” Then, proceed to give them the words that will speak life and blessing into their heart. If you write it out, read it to them and then give them what you wrote. They will save it forever.
This Christmas season, make the choice to be a blessing to a co-worker, a family member, a friend, or a new acquaintance. Let them know, by your words, how much they mean to you. I can assure you that it will be the best Christmas gift they receive. And the best news is this: you can give these gifts all year round! When you make it a point to speak words of life to another person, the fruit that you see and the blessing the other person experiences, will be well worth your efforts. I promise!
Tip: Here is how to make Christmas last all year!
Have a great week! God bless you!
Dr. Robert A. Rohm
