Gifts have been unwrapped. Family gatherings have been attended . Lots of cookies, candies and goodies have been eaten. Laughs have been had. Games played. Time spent. What has touched you the most? What are your most fond memories of the season?
Today we had some very icy/snowy weather. So John and the boys and I all hunkered down in the house. The boys and I had a Christmas movie marathon. It was relaxing and fun. As I watched these movies they were never about the "things" of Christmas. It was all about family connection. Mending family ties. Healing relationships.
This made me think about this past year. The amount of loss just within my family. So much has changed. So many hurts and trials. So many times my heart just felt heavy.
My Grandfather and John's Grandmother died within a couple weeks of each other this summer. Loss is a part of life and I would say that both my Grandpa and John's Grandma were ready for heaven. Their spouses were both in Glory. Their bodies ailing. As much as I will miss them I know they are exactly where they want to be.
In November my Uncle passed away. This was a harder one to process. He was a Godly man. I know that heaven was His reward as well but he was young. Healthy. Had young sons who are just starting lives of their own. A wife that was looking to spend another 40 years with him. None of us ready to say "See you later". None of us ready for such an abrupt end.
Thinking back through the year of friends and family. Challenges that they have shared with me. Some day to day trials, Others just devastating life changes. Things that they didn't choose. Relationship "stuff". Financial burdens. You name it.
I don't claim to have any of the answers. There is one thing I do know. I am thankful. I am thankful for the hope the future holds. I am thankful for the health of those close to me. I am thankful for the promise that God gives that "He will never leave us nor forsake us". I am thankful that no matter what the trial, No matter how hard life gets, or how terrible things seem. We have a savior. All he asks is that we surrender. He tells us to come just as we are. Bringing all our baggage and insecurity. Just admit that we need something, someone, outside of ourselves. Jesus! All we have to do is say yes.
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