A digital photo frame—for only $4? It seemed like the garage sale deal of the century. And the frame came with a story.

On top of the box was a Christmas card affixed with a Santa gift tag. The card was addressed to Linda, who (according to the card) had recently lost her mother. The hope was that Linda would fill that frame with photos of her mom—to fill up her soul with good memories.

It never happened.

The photo frame was not just in the original box. It was still covered in shrink wrap. But seven years after it lingered under a Christmas tree, its pixels glowed for the first time: images of our grandkids.

Selfishly, I'm thrilled to have that digital frame in our family room. But a part of me is sad for Linda. Sorry that she never once benefited from it.

Maybe Linda's age made her uncomfortable with technology. Or, more likely, she just never got around to it. But is it possible you and I have done the same—on a much grander scale?

When, at last, the record books are opened, and we stand in the great company of the saints in glory, how many unused gifts will we be made aware of? How many moments for kingdom impact will we learn that we squandered? How many gifts of grace or peace or love will we discover that we never took advantage of? Gifts we could have given to others. Gifts we could have used ourselves!

Why waste them?

Let’s plug in now!

Who needs a gift that you could give?

So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil. —Ephesians 5:15,16