From Sadness to Joy
" The Lord places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy." Psalm 68:6
The holiday season is a glorious time! Such wonder, such anticipation for those little ones in our lives, plays, shopping, seeing friends for festivities. Families getting together to open gifts.
For some, it is a very difficult time. They might have their first Christmas alone after a death of a spouse, or they are ill, or not able to get out like they use to. Not everyone is happy at this time of year.
Seven years ago, I was widowed. It was the first time I was alone in my whole life. It was quite devastating to me.
The holiday season was approaching and I was quite out of sorts. I really didn't want to put out the decorations or put up a tree. I was alone. Why bother. I just wasn't up to it. Even though I had faith in God, I felt all alone.
But God had a different plan for me that Christmas...
I received a call from my son in Florida. He and his family were coming up for Christmas. I was elated. How sweet!
It soon turned out that all 5 of my children and their families were coming home for Christmas!!
I got to thinking, well I have to get around and put up that tree, and decorate the house, and get busy with the meal plan. So many here! So wonderful! How loving for them to come here to be with me.
God knew what I needed. My happiness and joy has always been my family. Their hearts were reaching out to me in this season of being alone.
It was a wonderful time, full of love, children's laughter, quiet talks over coffee, and hot cocoa.
Those are great memories for me. God was with me through my children.
As I think of this, again, I am thankful for Gods goodness. And his love.
I want to be like him and bring joy to others.
In this time of cheer, I think of people I know who are feeling that loneliness, and I pray for them and I do plan on visiting them, taking them out for coffee, and just listening to them. In one sense I can be family for them..It is not a hard thing to take the time, especially if I can bring to them a bit of joy and some of that same blessing I received from my family that Christmas .
The holiday season is a glorious time! Such wonder, such anticipation for those little ones in our lives, plays, shopping, seeing friends for festivities. Families getting together to open gifts.
For some, it is a very difficult time. They might have their first Christmas alone after a death of a spouse, or they are ill, or not able to get out like they use to. Not everyone is happy at this time of year.
Seven years ago, I was widowed. It was the first time I was alone in my whole life. It was quite devastating to me.
The holiday season was approaching and I was quite out of sorts. I really didn't want to put out the decorations or put up a tree. I was alone. Why bother. I just wasn't up to it. Even though I had faith in God, I felt all alone.
But God had a different plan for me that Christmas...
I received a call from my son in Florida. He and his family were coming up for Christmas. I was elated. How sweet!
It soon turned out that all 5 of my children and their families were coming home for Christmas!!
I got to thinking, well I have to get around and put up that tree, and decorate the house, and get busy with the meal plan. So many here! So wonderful! How loving for them to come here to be with me.
God knew what I needed. My happiness and joy has always been my family. Their hearts were reaching out to me in this season of being alone.
It was a wonderful time, full of love, children's laughter, quiet talks over coffee, and hot cocoa.
Those are great memories for me. God was with me through my children.
As I think of this, again, I am thankful for Gods goodness. And his love.
I want to be like him and bring joy to others.
In this time of cheer, I think of people I know who are feeling that loneliness, and I pray for them and I do plan on visiting them, taking them out for coffee, and just listening to them. In one sense I can be family for them..It is not a hard thing to take the time, especially if I can bring to them a bit of joy and some of that same blessing I received from my family that Christmas .
Comments
Post a Comment