I have noticed an interesting phenomenon the past couple weeks.

A lot of people I talk with seem to be dreading conversations they are inevitably going to have with their families over Christmas. Some people seem to be worried about how to handle Uncle Ted’s politics, others are concerned about their sister’s sexual ethics, and many just want to have an opportunity to talk about Jesus but are afraid they are going to be scorned.

So what’s a person to do?

I stumbled onto this helpful quote from Herb Vander Lugt (an old Michigan pastor who is now with the Lord):

“Honest people can be cruel. Kind people may be soft and not concerned enough about righteousness. But when you put honesty and kindness together, you have a wonderful pair that honors God and blesses others. Tact is the ability to make a point without making an enemy.”

As you head off to visit with family and friends this Christmas season, may I suggest a little dash of honesty and a heaping spoonful of kindness goes well with egg nog and crazy families?

Merry Christmas, all.