Did you survive or are you thriving in this Christmastide? Did you get what you wanted? Did you give what you wanted? A friend of mine told me that the best day of this Christmas season was the day she wrote her checks to make her end of year gifts. Wow! Sunday, the preacher said someting about what we give to because we are Christian. He challenged us to think about how our lives would be different if we weren’t Christians. It was what he said about giving that made me realize a truth. Now, maybe I’ve heard this before, but I don’t remember it. Sunday, it was a new thought. I have never regretted money I’ve given away. There isn’t one penny I would wish to have back. Not one. However, I have a house full of purchases – things I’ve bought for myself – many of which I regret having spent money on. Over the holidays, I did a semi-annual closet clean-out of various clothing items I don’t wear. I will confess something to you, only you. There was an item that I put in the giveaway pile that I had never worn! I regretted having bought it for myself. I’m thinking about this calendar year and I’m hoping, praying, committing that I’m going to buy less for myself and keep giving more away to things that Christians should support. How well will I do? About as well as I choose to do.