Life is Short
As the Holidays draw near, excitement begins to build as we anticipate Thanksgiving, Christmas and a New Year. It is a time of change when leaves release their grip as the winds gently calls, ushering in the beginning of autumn. Warmer days give way to cold chilly nights. Windbreakers, rain gear, and warm winter coats replace our summer wear. Sunrise and sunsets compete with their dazzling display of colors that leave us in awe in the ever-changing horizon. We are eyewitnesses of the “changing of the guard” so to speak. We look forward to celebrating the Thanksgiving festivities with our loved ones, and the upcoming Christmas season that will soon be on its way.
To many, we look back and see how wonderfully blessed we are. In many homes, families will be gathering around the dinner table adorned with festive fall colors of yellow, orange, and brown. Our deep appreciation for life echoed in the sounds of laughter in a multitude of homes. Children run and play with vigor and enthusiasm we wish we still had. Storytelling often dominates the conversation with vivid memories passed on the next generation. To some it will be their last Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
In a house, not far away a different scenario takes place, possibly someone you know, a neighbor or just an acquaintance is celebrating the Holidays in a different manner. While most cannot wait to celebrate the holidays, this family is just hoping to get through them. All the chairs around the table filled, except one is empty. Someone is missing, a spouse, child, or loved one. This person will not be there to celebrate, and the empty chair is evidence to that fact. This and other holidays will be different from all the others… different forever. A loss has occurred and it will take time to heal. The wound is still fresh. The grieving process has no timetable we all grieve differently.
Grieving is not something, we “get over,” it is something we “get through.” Getting over implies leaving behind, while getting through implies taking with you. I speak from experience. My wife and I have experienced the loss of two of our children. Yes, Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. It is a time to reflect, and we are so thankful God has blessed our family with wonderful memories. Please be mindful of those around you who have suffered loss, and include them in your prayers and activities.
Life is short…
Psalm 39:4-5 New Living Translation (NLT)
4 “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.”
To many, we look back and see how wonderfully blessed we are. In many homes, families will be gathering around the dinner table adorned with festive fall colors of yellow, orange, and brown. Our deep appreciation for life echoed in the sounds of laughter in a multitude of homes. Children run and play with vigor and enthusiasm we wish we still had. Storytelling often dominates the conversation with vivid memories passed on the next generation. To some it will be their last Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
In a house, not far away a different scenario takes place, possibly someone you know, a neighbor or just an acquaintance is celebrating the Holidays in a different manner. While most cannot wait to celebrate the holidays, this family is just hoping to get through them. All the chairs around the table filled, except one is empty. Someone is missing, a spouse, child, or loved one. This person will not be there to celebrate, and the empty chair is evidence to that fact. This and other holidays will be different from all the others… different forever. A loss has occurred and it will take time to heal. The wound is still fresh. The grieving process has no timetable we all grieve differently.
Grieving is not something, we “get over,” it is something we “get through.” Getting over implies leaving behind, while getting through implies taking with you. I speak from experience. My wife and I have experienced the loss of two of our children. Yes, Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. It is a time to reflect, and we are so thankful God has blessed our family with wonderful memories. Please be mindful of those around you who have suffered loss, and include them in your prayers and activities.
Life is short…
Psalm 39:4-5 New Living Translation (NLT)
4 “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.”
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