Yes, it's December and NO I'm NOT going to ask about last January's NEW YEAR'S resolutions. I do want to remind you to wrap things up (yes, pun intended) as we spend these final days in 2009. There are holiday rhythms that I'd like to discuss. In the midst of all the holiday excitement and cheer there are some down beats that we need to be aware of - disappointments, hurts, and losses.
Everyone is aware of the Christmas parties and gatherings and the chit chat of ball games, accomplishments and other big events that are always a part of these. Let's not be afraid to take a deep breath and acknowledge the difficult - loss of a job, death of a loved one, separation of a family. Now, I'm not suggesting we create an awkward atmosphere, rather a kind and timely word of support, remembrance or just "I want you to know I care." Keep these touches short and genuine along with a nonverbal contact: a smile, wink or a sincere frown (psst. tears are divine - our Jesus Himself wept).
Every family faces disappointments, yet we often don't have the tools to handle them well. What do we personally do with disappointments? We must "FIFI" them, face it/feel it, and learn from them. If it is uncontrollable, recognize that there is little you can do to control the situation except pray and choose integrity. If it is a controllable situation then learn from it, seek godly counsel; choose to grow both in it and through it. I don't mean to load you down with a lot of scripture, rather it is scripture that lifts us up.
I personally found comfort and direction in the Psalms with the passing of my earthly father.
Psalm 33 and 34 reinforces that God was / is personally aware and involved
Isaiah 43:1-4a assures us that God was / is by our side (I suggest you substitute your name)
Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God is at work in our lives
Philippians 4:4-8 gives us the right mind set and promise of peace.
1 Peter 5:10 a real comfort from the scriptures
Do not avoid the obvious hurts of our friends and family members. Welcome them but be polite, sensitive and keep it simple - let them invite you to enter into more of their hurt / story. Pray for wisdom. Celebrate living legacies of those who have gone before us - the family will appreciate it. Relax, rest in the moment, (it will be healing for both of you) then redirect the moment to JOY's of Christmas. Let's not be preachy but let our actions and reactions point to the only One who brings real "Peace on Earth."
Wrap up this year with capturing snap shots of the Divine in action -- they're everywhere. Please pass them on to me and we'll celebrate together. Thanks for being a part of Family Matters -- it really does!!
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