The Ripple Effect

As Christmas comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the quieter moments of this season; the ones that remind us how small acts can carry far more meaning than we expect.

Over time, I’ve noticed something personal and consistent: each time I give a gift, I also receive. Not always immediately, and not always in the same form  but this year, it felt especially evident.

Earlier in the week, I mailed out three gifts to three different families. They weren’t extravagant. They were chosen thoughtfully, with love and intention, simply to acknowledge people I care about. There was no expectation attached,  just a desire to give.

The very next day, I received a gift box in the mail.

Inside were three gifts — each one personal, meaningful, and something I truly cherish.

But that wasn’t all.

This Christmas, I received more gifts than I ever have before,  beyond that one moment — and each one felt like a reminder of how generosity has a way of circling back in unexpected ways. It brought to life a truth Scripture has long taught:

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.”

— Proverbs 11:24

The Bible gives us a beautiful picture of this in John 6, when a young boy offered five loaves and two fish, a small gift that seemed insignificant on its own. He didn’t know how it would be used; he simply gave what he had. Jesus took it, blessed it, and the impact reached far beyond that single moment.

That’s often how faith works. We offer what we can, and God handles the multiplication.

This Christmas, I was a bit under the weather, but still able to enjoy meaningful moments with people I care about: conversations, laughter, and time spent together. It reminded me that joy doesn’t require perfect conditions; sometimes it simply requires presence.

Another lesson this season reinforced is the importance of paying attention to the people we love. Thoughtful gifts don’t have to break the bank. The most meaningful ones are often the gifts that reflect care, understanding, and attention — gifts people genuinely need or will truly appreciate.

Scripture reminds us:

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

— Philippians 2:4

And while giving is beautiful, it’s important to say this clearly: we don’t give in order to receive. We give because it aligns with who we are and what we believe. Anything that comes back is simply grace.

This season, I also witnessed answered prayers in the lives of people close to me — quiet but powerful reminders that God is still moving, still attentive, and still faithful.

And for anyone who is longing for something: praying, waiting, and wondering if God has forgotten them — this season reminded me of this truth: God is still in the business of doing good. Even when we can’t see it yet. Even when timelines differ. Hold on to faith. He will come through.

As we step into a new year, I want to pause and ask:

How did you spend your Christmas?

Who did you connect with?

What moments mattered most?

I wish you a peaceful, joyful, and intentional New Year 

In my next blogpost, I’ll be sharing tips on creating a vision board — not as a trend, but as a practical tool for clarity and purpose in the year ahead.

May we continue to sow thoughtfully, love generously, and trust the ripple effect.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

— Galatians 6:9