Life Done with Us

"And I don't keep cards."

"Whew! Me either! What is that all about, anyway? I mean, I rarely even spend money on cards."

"Right! Tell me what you feel all year long. Don't use someone else's words to say it just because it's my birthday." 

That was twenty years ago. A conversation --or something very similar --my then boyfriend (now husband) and I had. There were no secret sentimentalities stashed away in a drawer somewhere. We were both equally as hard. For sure, God was working on us both, and I had surrendered some territory, but we had have a long way to go.

Today, I spend money on cards --beautiful cards handmade by a friend. I try to send them out as often as I can to encourage others and brighten other's day. I also maintain a small cache of some I've received. I keep them where I keep my devotionals. There's nothing like receiving blessing and peace from our Heavenly Father in His Word, and then taking a moment occasionally, to read it in the words of those who surround you this side of eternity. We were made to be community! The cards remind me I am loved and appreciated by some pretty wonderful people, and that God has blessed me with a solid and marvelous support system. One card includes a beautifully embellished acrostic, artwork crafted around my name. A creative and selfless person took the time to do that for another broken, sometimes abrasive human being. Another was addressed to "Dear sweet Judi" How? On so many levels it seems like such a mistake. The Judi I know has always been far from sweet, and the person who wrote those words is the incarnation of Sweet Polly Purebred! Having her call me "sweet" was like having Jesus tell me I am holy. But she condescended to do that for me. Another card contains a "thank you," and the honesty of a person who appreciates our relationship; but the greatest impact lies in the tears that she shed as she handed me the card.

Now, I'm in no way saying if you don't buy, make, keep, or send greeting cards you are a bad Christian and an even worse human being. But what I once considered to be vain sentimentality, that which I once disdained is a part of relationship --whether it's a part of how I do relationship or not. And the Holy Spirit has clearly shown me the joy of it! Think of this, we are in a season where we celebrate Jesus condescending to put on a pair of legs and fend off sweat pimples just to be with us. To be in relationship with us! Could you imagine Him saying, "Well, that's fine for them to do life that way, but frankly, I think it's kind of stupid. Let Me just come down there and tell them how overrated toes really are"? Or perhaps He could have arrived and chastised us all for our tears or candles on our cakes or emojis. "Do something practical!" He could have argued. Instead, He wept and attended weddings and sat in the shade of trees and grilled fish. He did life with other human beings as human beings tend to do life.

There are human expressions of love that are important to us. Hugs increase hormone levels and can boost cardiovascular health. Eye contact strengthens the bond between parents and their babies. And cards can be saved for those moments when a bit of encouragement is needed, or we have to be reminded of all the gracious people God has placed in our life. We were placed here to enjoy the goodness of God, and to do it with others beside us. Jesus, who cast out demons and fed multitudes with a small boy's rations didn't need the help of the Twelve to do any of those things. Yet, He called them to do ministry with Him. He came and dwelt among us, pulling us into His world as He lived in ours. God With Us.