Practice does NOT always mean perfect, for sure, as I am very “practiced” at not being able to spend Christmas with my loved ones, any and most every holiday!
My sweet daughter and family are in “no man’s land,” on the far East Coast and have been her entire married life. She will be 50 this March, and even though we are as tight as sisters and best friends, I can count on half a hand how often we have been able to be together for Christmas or any and all big life events!
In my particular work tenure, I haven’t been afforded the luxury of being with a major company with decent perks—not even paid time off. I’m my sole provider and cannot afford to take trips, plus, I don’t fly nor do I navigate well, thus rendering me a non-traveler. I do not mind being held hostage in a tiny world (of my own making, in part), but when that starts messing with my ability to be with my beautiful little offspring soulmate, let’s just say it takes an enormous toll on a good, loving mom!
So, when this is the case, we have to implement chronic damage control. We have to work feverishly at redirecting our thoughts. The thought pattern must change to “how it could be worse,” immediately followed by keeping a physical log or inventory of our blessings and, lastly, never stop praying that the circumstances can change and that someday, somehow, God will see fit to move mountains to unite family and let circumstances change and facilitate life being shared and celebrated!
Turn outward during the season rather than engage in pity parties (even if they are short lived); turning inward and dwelling on our pain serves little benefit for anyone. No matter how bad off we may be, there is always someone worse. No matter how sad we are, there is always someone sadder, no matter how poor we are, there may be someone poorer.
Try to focus on children and older people. Maybe all you can do is cook a little extra and give it away. Maybe you can make cookies or brownies or fudge and let loose of some of it. Maybe if you have some clothes you are tired of or have lost weight or outgrown, actually give them to someone and see a smile on their face!
If you have no “things” to part with or if you can’t prepare food well enough to give others, go to an assisted living or nursing home and visit with some of the residents. So many in there just don’t get visitors. You may make some new friends who seem to make your life feel a bit lighter!
Take the time to write down what you are thankful for—and MEAN it! Then try to enlist God’s help to change what makes you sad (in my case not being around my kids and grandkids…) and BELIEVE that whatever happens as a result of your petition is the way it is supposed to be. God is wise and we have to trust Him.
Take joy and solace in your friendships and “chosen” family or church family. God gives them to us for a reason and we shouldn’t take them for granted, but work at drawing closer to them.
I am so very thankful for all my work friends, church friends and my good neighbors…couldn’t do without them. I wish all of you and my readers a very wonderful Christmas and time with your families! I have had the opportunity to make several new friends this year and one of them is our sweet editor and copywriter, Ms. Janet! You are truly a special and talented, kind, patient and classy lady. I wish Mr. Rob, Ryder, and all of you a blessed New Year…I have it on good authority it will be a great one!
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