What a beautiful time of year!! Twinkling lights adorn decorated trees. Music fills the crisp clean air. We make our lists and check them over a million times. Search for the perfect gifts. Packages are wrapped and bowed to perfection. We make our favorite dessert and attend joy-filled parties. All of this reminds us of the wonderful season and the people we love.
But for many, this time of year conjures up something different…loneliness and grief. All of the beauty of the season becomes a stark reminder of that which has been lost. Surrounded by loved ones celebrating, you can feel completely alone. Laughter cuts through your heart like a knife. You attempt to connect with others but are unsuccessful because the pain forces you to disengage.
My friends, this season, be extra aware of the people around you who are struggling. Grief is a powerful force that is difficult to manage. Take time to connect with those who have lost and listen to them share their heart. Life will not be that way forever for them and they need you. They need hope. You may just be the one person responsible for encouraging them forward in their journey.
Jesus came to heal us of our brokenness. That includes our broken hearts. Be Jesus this season!!
Have a blessed holiday,
Carol Marchant Gibbs
Stories Changing Lives