Letter #12 The Holidays

Dear friend,

Well, we must have been on the same train as I have been feeling blue too. Isn’t it crazy how

we can just be going along with life and then “the sads” just wash over us threatening to take

us out or at the very least add a heavier weight? I was just texting with another friend and her

words resonated: “Unexpectedly, I was blue yesterday. I’m a little better today but it’s crazy

how you can be where you think your heart is (reunion with grandchildren who live far away)

and still feel blue. Not even sure why. But the new me attempts to feel all the feels and not

stuff/try to ignore.”

For me, I think I know what’s causing my ache. I had some dear friends here over the weekend

and just felt the welling up in my spirit as they started taking out their suitcases. I LOVE having

people in my home to care for, feed, get up in the morning for coffee, all the things. This

beautiful 72 hours and then they were gone! And as I was driving home from the airport, it hit

me that right around the corner is Thanksgiving ~ which I’ve learned is not just one day but the

first day of a long season that ends around New Years and is packed with reminders of what

we hoped our worlds would feel like.

If I’ve learned anything that I can share for this lengthy season ~ find a space to set up

meaningful connections with people you love. It doesn’t have to be a big party; just a cozy

coffee with words that answer “how are you really doing?” will go a long way. I also try to be

purposeful about my time with the Lord, allowing Him to encourage my spirit with His words

and presence. And finally, I remind myself that this category of sadness is not limited to broken

or struggling marriages. It is the condition of this world that things are not as they were meant

to be; our world is broken. As I listened to my dear friends pour out their ongoing sadness over

one of their hurting children, I was reminded that I am not the only one.

So keep reaching out to Him, to others ~ we know so many who feel the ache, fresh or old, of

loss and grief. Keep sharing the only Light of the World that He miraculously allows to shine

through our broken places. He know what it’s like to walk in darkness. He is with you! And

He’s preparing a place where all will be made right and whole.

Sending love and renewed hope to you, my friend.

Revelations 21:4

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.”