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.
Amazon.com: Stephanie Parker McKean: books, biography, latest update
Stephanie Parker McKean 
It sounds to me like you did all your could to show him a Christian walk, Steph. Don’t feel bad about it. Keep the card if it reminds you to do the same for anyone else, but don’t worry about it. God knows you tried. It’s all we can do. The rest is up to them. Every one of us has a free will. Maybe in the end he thought about you and your Christian attitude toward him and got saved. It’s a hope we can hang unto. God bless you for your testimony, my dear, sweet friend. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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Thanks, Sharon. You are a sweet and thoughtful friend. I appreciate you. God bless you.
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That is a sad story, Steph, but not for you. You did everything you could and more, but he must have been a lonely old soul to rebuff you so. As that saying goes, ‘you can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink’.
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Thanks, Val. He did indeed refuse to drink and he was lonely, I’m sure – with only his bottles of booze to keep him company. It is terribly sad. Younger than me and because of the drinking – he lost everything except his house and his dog – and RSPCA came and took his dog a week before he died. Still heartbreaking.
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Oh and may I send you my love and warmest affection, my friend. Wishing you everything that is good for 2026.
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Thanks, Val. You make living life on this planet fun and worthwhile. Have a lovely and fulfilling 2026. God bless.
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