By Martha Bailey
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed lots of quality time with your family and friends.
While many people will have a “holly jolly Christmas,” the holidays for many are something to be dreaded. They are hurting and lonely and can’t wait for January 2 when things return to normal–whatever that is.
Waylon and I had a very quiet day Thursday because it worked out best for our family to celebrate Thanksgiving on Friday. Our parents made us miserable on holidays because of their unrealistic expectations so I vowed not to do that to my children. So, Thursday was a football day and an extra prep day. (What woman can’t use an extra day to get ready, right?)
All throughout the day a friend kept popping into my mind. Finally, around 9 Thursday evening I decided to email her. (I’ve learned through the years to recognize that repetitive thoughts like these are Holy Spirit-driven. Far too many times I have dismissed these thoughts, but this time I didn’t). This is what I sent:
Shea,
You have come to my mind at least four times today. Each time I thought about how tough the holidays are for you. Just wanted you to know I’ve prayed for you.
The next day I received this reply:
Thank you Martha…..this year has been bumpy. I lost my dearest friend of 40 years to cancer that was misdiagnosed and my dear friends, the Butlers are now in Cleveland, Ohio. I am so happy for them, but it’s another goodbye. I’ve had a few Blue Bell pity parties!
I have faith….just need to hold on to hope. And I will!
Love to you and Waylon! Shea
My heart broke for her. I knew that she had never gotten over losing a loving spouse years ago, but I was clueless she had experienced another set of devastating losses this year. This was my response:
Shea, I’m sorry to hear about your friend. You’ve had a lot of grief this year. I knew the Butlers moving would be hard for you. You ARE a trooper and you WILL be fine but that doesn’t negate your pain. Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you and praying for you. Martha
As we get all caught up in the “hustle and bustle” of Christmas, let’s also be sensitive to those around us. Let’s reserve some of our time and energy to reach out to those who are hurting and lonely.
Before the children of Israel entered the Promised Land, the LORD warned them about becoming self-centered and insensitive. He said, “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs…Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart…Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8, 10-11).
Which word describes you—openhanded or tightfisted?
Dear Lord, this is such a special time of the year when we are reminded just how much You love us. You left heaven’s throne to come to earth to dwell among men and ultimately gave Your life so that we could live eternally with You. What a gift! Help us this Christmas to be gift-givers, too. Help us to slow down long enough to really see the people around us and respond to their needs. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Originally posted at marthabailey.wordpress.com.
