Such Trials as This…

I honestly didn’t think I’d be rambling again before Christmas but here I am, when He says ramble I follow and pray His words come through. I took a very short ride yesterday while the sun was still shining because my heart was soooo heavy and I knew a ride alone with God was the only thing that would help. There are so many mixed emotions I’m feeling and troubling stories I’ve read/heard this week that have truly touched my soul, I don’t even know where to begin.

The season of Christmas is one that most think should be joyous as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Sadly that’s not the case for so many.

The tornadoes that recently ravaged Kentucky and other nearby states left behind such devastation and destruction in a matter of minutes. Lives were forever changed and continue to be changed. There were almost 100 lives lost including some complete families. I hope and pray they knew their Savior before they perished.

The people still living there will never be the same and they will definitely experience a Christmas unlike one they’ve ever had before. Additionally, those who have volunteered to go help in these areas will also never be the same. There are good people behind the scenes making a difference as they follow God’s lead to put their faith into works, not just words, and that is so amazing to see. There are so many ways to help even if we can’t physically volunteer and go; prayers, monetary donations and basic supplies are all needed and every little bit helps.

While listening to someone with a ministry that has been on the ground helping they said they learned of approximately 200 people in tents in a nearby park. I couldn’t help but try to picture who these people are. Are they women, children, veterans, the elderly? Where do they go from there and how? It’s freezing cold weather and they are now homeless like so many others across the country.

This season also brings such stress and feelings of desperation to others. Some don’t have loved ones nearby to spend time with, some have only sad memories of Christmases past, some have estranged family, some will be having their first Christmas without a loved one who passed this year, some who have more material things than anyone truly needs but are alone, others who simply don’t believe in Christmas at all.

Many of us feel pressures; either from others or ourselves, to have that “perfect” Christmas and beat themselves up trying to meet unrealistic expectations. I personally have often fallen into that category on more than one occasion. Even this year there were things I so wanted to include in the season that just didn’t happen for one reason or another. One of those things had to do with a project with my granddaughters and due to demands at work I just plain ran out of time. Rather than continuing to beat myself up over it, I have simply decided we will still do it, just next week instead. It will still be precious quality time and that’s what matters most in my opinion, not the date it’s done.

I also have been thinking about all those who suffer from anxiety, depression, addiction, mental health issues, abusive relationships and the list goes on. We live in a society that tends to ignore the truth that these exist or that stereotype people who fall into one or more of these categories. These conditions don’t affect just the person involved, it also affects their family, their friends and even their coworkers in some cases. Granted these are problems they experience year round but the holidays often seem to heighten the emotional impact they have. It can all be extremely overwhelming to all involved in any way. It becomes difficult to truly enjoy the season and the celebration of what it represents; the birth of the Son who came to save us all. Instead of judging or trying to “fix” them, simply try to understand and to empathize. Most do not choose to be in this situation.

Whether you believe in the meaning of Christmas or not, I pray that each and every one of us will take time to stop and reflect. This CAN be the most wonderful time of the year, if we allow it to be. That may mean putting the past behind us, forgiving someone we haven’t, reaching out to someone in need, repenting of our own shortcomings and sins, asking someone we have wronged to forgive us, and/or simply being kind to others. We never truly know what another person has experienced or is thinking but we can be kind and non judgemental and try to honestly make the most of every day. A simple compliment or smile can make a huge difference.

Peace be with you-