Picked up a random poetry book From the crowded shelf. Quick easy hour read: Delight and wonder. Then, Found…
Finding Hope in the Midst of Hard Times
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year with the kids jingle a belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer…” as Andy Williams sings year after year on radio stations. Yes, it is supposed to be the most wonderful time of year, but the reality is not so bright for a lot of families.
Death of a love one, divorce, loss of a job, bankruptcy, serious diseases: we all experience hardship at different times in our lives and for many of us the holiday season makes it even harder to find anything to be cheery about in such bleak circumstances.
Tragic News:
As I watched the news yesterday, the newscaster reported the tragic loss of a family of four, including a baby and a toddler, who were killed when their car went off a highway in Montana.
On the radio this morning, a recently widowed mother and nurse was being gifted with gift cards and a visit to a local holiday light park; her friend had nominated her for being such a beacon of light despite her tragic loss of her husband.
Refugees are trying to cross the American border from Mexico and now the U.S. soldiers are using tear-gas to keep them away. Why? How in the world has our country become so like those other countries we have fought against for their horrific tyranny?
Positives:
Everywhere I look, especially on social media, there are special collections to help those living in shelters or those who are victims of violence. These people are nameless to me, but I know they are out there in my own community.
Some friends of mine are taking a monthly birthday party to the local women and children’s shelter. My daughter’s Girl Scout troop is helping to donate items for the coming months.
The need is ongoing, not just at the holidays; so many suffer needlessly at any time of the year. My heart breaks for those who are hurting. I can only prayer for them.
What will help?
Linda Walter LCSW, author of psychologytoday.com, gives advice in her article, “10 Tips for Surviving the Holidays”:
- “Keep your regular routine.
- Think moderation.
- Be realistic, and try not to expect the ‘ideal’ holiday.
- Stay connected.
- Throw guilt out the window.
- Don’t be alone, if you don’t want to be.
- Focus on today, not yesterday.
- Just say no.
- Ask for help.
- Be good to yourself.”
Reflection:
I cannot help all of those who are grieving and all of those who are discouraged. All I can do is trust that God has us all in His almighty embrace. He connects us together at the right time to bring something positive out of the negative. He builds our strength as we endure trials.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
What I can do is write and share my own mindful learning with others:
I write to feel better;
I write to describe my life;
I write to promote others;
I write to remember the ones I’ve lost;
I write to connect to others;
I write to pray to God for all;
I write to heal my soul.
Blessings to you this holiday season!