January 2, 2026 Etched Memories of Kindness
Hands busy, hearts open … I’m veering from my daily Blackaby recap for a while. Might go back at some point, but have other books and thoughts I want to pull from for a while.
This morning, reading Proverbs 11, I’m reminded that giving hands return blessing, while selfish, choices quietly unravel what they touch.
My sister-in-law gave me a book one year for Christmas (in about 1990!) called Silver Boxes by Florence Litteaur. I think she was in a book study group with girls at her church back then. It’s about giving and what we choose to leave behind.
That little book, in a snapshot says this: the best gifts aren’t wrapped.
They’re words.
Time.
Encouragement.
Presence.
Silver boxes, with a bow on top, yet …
invisible,
eternal,
quietly powerful.
Scripture says it simply and strongly:
“A generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” Proverbs 11:25
Years pass. Things fade. But what we give in love stays. It settles into memory. It softens grief. It strengthens joy.
Now Christmas break is over, and we’re easing back into workdays and routines.
So maybe going forward, we carry fewer packages and offer more ‘presence’.
Fewer things to store.
More moments to keep.
Those are the gifts that never get lost. These are the gifts Jesus gave. And, gives. His presence, on the cross, His gift of eternity … all grace we give is a gift, too.
That’s what I’m striving for – living life in Christ so mindful, that every exchange shines light on Him. Points to eternity.
Your exchanges with me – they give me that kind of powerful encouragement, too. Thank you for that!
Be mindful today of each exchage – and aware of the silver box with a bow top kind of words you might choose to leave. They are life-giving.
In His Love and Light,
Angie