I was going to give him a Christmas card—but he died.

Eight years our neighbor, but he died three days before Christmas and his card sits on the shelf behind me.

Eight years our neighbor and I never really got to know him. And now I have a leftover Christmas card.

For the eight years he lived next to us I attempted to befriend him. I gave him a ticket for our church’s Christmas bouquet. I invited him to our church, and to special events. I bought treats and food for his dog. When he lost his car, I offered trips to the store. For eight years he rebuffed offers of help and friendship, and now his leftover Christmas card sits on the shelf behind me.

His death came as a shock. I thought I would have more time to cultivate friendship with our next door neighbor. I thought I would have more time to make a difference in his life.

Sometimes—there is no more time. Sometimes time runs out.

The leftover Christmas card reminds me to walk in the Biblical truth of Ephesians 5:15, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12.

Don’t leave any leftover Christmas cards sitting on your shelf.

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