A different Christmas year for me, for sure.
Here we are on the 13th of December. My tree is up and lit only because it is prelit. Usually, I have four large tubs of ornaments, decorations, and lights out, and a tree lit. The creche scene set up, reminding me of my life in the Kingdom for the last 36 years. (A gift from some ladies who loved my wife!)
It has been a pretty rough year. My wife became ill in May. I lost my brother, Larry, in October. (His birthday is December 26th) And so, I have been grieving his loss. Walking a journey with my wife. And it takes a lot of energy, so as much as I love Christmas, I just haven’t had the get up and go to get things done.
I haven’t gone out Christmas light viewing or any of the many things I usually do at this time of year. This year has been very different.
I know that life is tough, but many others have it worse. Loneliness, pain, loss.
I have my wife, and we walk in peace.
When I decided to sell Positive News For You, these were some of the reasons.
I bought a Honda trike, and my wife became ill a week or so after it was delivered. We rode once for 15 miles or less. Less than 100 miles on it. Less than 25 miles on my bike.
Life is different.
I could be down in the dumps about it all. But if I have learned anything over the years, it is that life is subject to change, both for the better and for the worse. So, I choose to be happy. To decide to be hope-filled and move ahead. To enjoy the days we have and make the most of each one.
How many times have I said, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference.”
I can change how I process. It doesn’t make me less sad about my brother. Or less concerned for my wife and other close friends who are not doing well.
‘Tis the season. I will walk in peace. Express my joy. Work to be kind to others and charitable at every opportunity.
I expect I will go out to see a few Christmas lights at some point. Enjoy the decorations on some homes. Listen to some Christmas music. And seeing snow on the ground this year really does something for me.
Being home has allowed me to be creative and watch lots of Christmas movies! And my tree? It has lights that flicker and remind me of my childhood.
When I wrote my book on Christmas, there was much to remember. Now, it is a year to make new memories that may be quite different than what I grew up with.
I believe that there is magic about this season. A sense of hopefulness. A peace that some days passes all understanding. And love that overcomes.
