Christmas Thoughts
Here’s a question I get fairly often: Does it make you sad when a holiday (like Christmas) is over, because it might be your last?The answer is yes, it’s inevitable for the holidays to take on a bittersweet edge. I can’t help but think back upon all the great Christmases I’ve had. I remember how my sisters and I would stay up all night waiting for Santa to come. I remember getting presents like a new bicycle and a racecar track. I remember driving in the early morning to Tahlequah, where my extended family gathered to open presents. I remember trying to pick out the right gift for my wife. And I remember the days, not-so-long-ago, when my kids were little, how they’d walk into the living room with wonder in their eyes as they saw the stockings and presents waiting.
I love Christmas, so it hurts, terribly, to think this could be it.
But we cannot dwell on such things. For when we do, we trade away the potential for joy. The sadness is always there, waiting to sweep me away if I would allow it. Today it is Christmas. Tomorrow it will be something else.
Yes, trying times bring about inevitable moments of sadness. So when they do, we should take a little time to let that grief out in some positive way. And then we must put it away and move on.
As I’ve told my friends and family, now’s not the time for being sad. That time may be coming, but today isn’t it. Today, I’m alive and getting the wonderful gift of spending an entire day with my family.
Who knows what will happen down the road?
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Comments
Odd how we as humans view things. While I am not suggesting that anyone live in a state of denial – I have to ponder such questions as: “Does it make you sad when…. because it might be your last?” Do you ever pose the question in reverse??? Truth is NONE of us – no matter what our ‘picture of health’ looks like today – - – has a promise of tomorrow. How does the person asking the question feel – knowing that _______ might be their last??? The HARSH reality is that we ALL live on time that is finite. Live and Love Out Loud!!! Time is precious no matter who you are!
I was thinking this morning of Jim’s first Christmas. He was only sixteen days old and we went to my grandmother’s house as we always did in those days. We dressed him in a tiny Santa outfit. He looked so sweet and was the center of attention. That is one of my favorite Christmas memories.
Amen Jim Amen!!!