I’ve had several conversations, with both family and friends, about the holidays, recently. This time of year, you can’t help thinking about your loved ones who have “gone home” to be with the Lord. Years ago, when my mother passed, I remember wondering how I would ever get through another holiday. My children were young and it was difficult, but I remember God saying this to me: “Now is the time to honor your mother by… living.” In my mind, I was wondering, “Well, how am I supposed to do that? I’ve never lived in a world without her.” And that’s the thing, isn’t it?
When a loved one transitions, we are forced to learn how to navigate life in their absence. As loud as my mother’s absence screamed, it could not drown out the presence of God. I say this as a reminder that God’s presence is there for you, too. And His grace is sufficient. As difficult as it maybe be, He’s, right there, with you in this season. And He knows how to protect you from becoming overwhelmed by the feelings of missing your loved ones. Let’s face it, if we’re not careful, we’ll let the enemy keep us so focused on those who are no longer with us, that we can make those who are present, feel that they are spending the holiday, without us. Our memories of those we’re missing shouldn’t make us fail to appreciate, and maximize, our time with those who are present.
I’m not trying to minimize or gaslight the deep feelings of loss or grief that we feel for our loved ones who have been promoted to Heaven. I’m not. My mother-in-law passed away just a few months ago and sometimes, it still doesn’t seem real. So, it’s not about ignoring the pain or pretending nothing has happened. No, this Thanksgiving will be different without her, for sure. But when the family gathers, we’ll tell stories and have a few laughs to honor her memory. Someone may bring her famous mayonnaise cake to dinner, and we’ll all talk about how each of us had so much fun when we spent time with her.
But then, I hope we’ll all look around the table and just sit, in gratitude, for the ones who are here. These are the people with whom you can still share a laugh, the people to whom you can give hugs and the people to whom you still have time left to say, “I love you.”
I know you’re missing your loved ones this time of year. Me, too. Acknowledge that space but please, don’t get swallowed by it. Then, make the intentional effort to redirect that energy. If you’re serious about wanting to honor the memory of your loved ones who you’re missing this holiday season, make sure to really love the family members, and friends, who will be right there by your side.
Oh, give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good:
His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:1
Happy Thanksgiving, LifeSpeakers!
Love & Blessings,
Wilma
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