Christmas Margin

This morning I had my usual Tuesday breakfast with some men from the Springs.  We had a great discussion this morning, as usual, but something really stood out and has remained with me for a couple of hours.  One of the guys said this morning that he and his family have created more margin this year and it has allowed them to see God at work in their family.

By creating financial margin by cutting back during the year, their family has been able to extend outward with their Christmas this year.  By creating relational margin, they have been able to invest in others this Christmas season and even the kids are beginning to see the needs of their friends.  

The results of one Christmas with this focus may be minimal to those kids as they grow up, but they could lead to more Christmases of the same focus, which could just change a family and those around them.  Maybe you are seeing people give out of this margin, not because of a great economic culture right now, but because they made smaller sacrifices throughout the year that is making it possible for them to experience the blessing of God flowing through them to some needy families this year.  Seeing this makes you a little jealous.  Don't worry, it's not the last opportunity we will have.  However, it starts with establishing some margin in your own family to do things for others.  Maybe your "gift" to your community is a commitment to live off less this next year so you can be in a better position to give more when the time arrives - maybe next Christmas, maybe next month.  

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to everyone!