10:06am
East of the Mississippi
Tired of the screen?
I am.
During Black Friday and continuing through this holiday season, more and more people are buying film cameras (and digital cameras without screens), CD and record players, and other ways to create and consume that are away from their smart phones and big glowing displays.
We’re craving a connection to what’s real.
And what you do in the real world matters.
Last night I spent hours addressing Christmas cards to family, friends, and people I’ve worked with over this last year.
By hand.
With a fountain pen and “holly green” ink from Noodler’s Ink that, with the right paper, has a red tinge on the edge.
Years ago my mom bought us a label maker.
If I wanted, I could print these 100-ish addresses and slap them on an envelope and be done in minutes.
But where’s the thought behind that?
Or I could just send out a digital image of our family, no printing or postage or addressing or mailing required at all.
But that’s cheap: both inexpensive but also without any investment in the relationship.
Every card I addressed last night gave me time to think about the recipients and what they mean to our family.
If you and I worked together this year and I have your address, keep an eye open for our 2025 family Christmas card.
And if I don’t have your address, or if we didn’t work together but you still want to hang our photo on your fridge, reply with your address.
I would be happy to send a card your way.
Because you are a blessing to me, and I want to thank you.
Jeffrey
PS. The countdown is on.
Ten days until Jesus’ birth.
In Austin, Texas, a theatre put on a stage adaptation of Charlie Brown Christmas.
And instead of ending the play with the spoken Gospel, like the original Charles Schultz cartoon does, Linus says the true meaning of Christmas is being with people you love.
Yes that is important.
But it’s not why the whole world knows of Christmas.
If today you should hear His voice, harden not your heart.