What to Do in All of Life

Everything that happens now is compared to what was happening then. Do you ever do that? This time last year our family faced the empty pangs of horrible things, but this year we gaze through the doorway of the Christmas season feeling fattened by all that is good. Where cheer wasn't even musterable (new word?!) then, we laugh easily now. When answers couldn't be found then, we live within health now. Where hopelessness weighed heavy then, we feel the lightness of hope now. Where gaping holes of pain and loneliness smothered us then, we find wholeness and togetherness now. 

What's crazy is feeling almost guilty about being in such a good place. Guilty because other people are hurting bad. You know them, I know them. Maybe you are them. Maybe you can't conceive of the idea of celebrating anything right now, even if Jesus is the hope of the world. Because it hurts too much. Because no amount of lemonade can be made from these lemons right now. Part of what I'm trying to sift through in this healing season is being okay with and savoring the good because as you and I both know, the seasons are always changing. Until we arrive in heaven, the good and bad will always coexist. All we can do within all of life is make room for Jesus.

As we begin the advent season, can I be a tiny voice of encouragement to you? Be open to the hope that Jesus brought to earth when He was born in that manger. Dare to believe He can make all the difference in your right now. Not in a make everything right immediately kind of way, but in a silent night, quiet trust kind of way.