The holidays tend to bring about reminiscence of old memories, nostalgia or even pain for what is missed. For me, this time of year has me thinking of a house filled with many children scampering about that I longed to have but didn’t get to (I suffered multiple miscarriages but two miracle baby boys did come out of it). I’m not filled with sadness over it, just reflection.
Gladness Over Sadness
I find I don’t become saddened by my losses anymore. It’s hard to be overcome by sadness when I think about the goodness of the life they now have in heaven with Jesus, a life far better than what I ever could have given them here on earth. There’s also the goodness of what I currently have. That took me a while to get, and I’ll save that for another post. Gratitude for the present is huge to take our focus off of the past.
Focusing on Goodness
Perhaps you can relate with a history of miscarriages or maybe you have had another type of loss. Whoever it is that you miss dearly especially during this season, I challenge us to focus on the goodness of what is or who that person was and not on the loss itself. What did that person you lost leave behind? What can you impart to others based on who they were?
Of course, I think it wonderful when you can remember a person for who they were – qualities, appearance and every quirk that made them who they were to you. I had not yet even begun to imagine what every life in my womb could have been. But I imagine there would have been a lot of rambunctiousness going on 🙂 One day I will get to know every child of mine as if they were never missing from my life.
Perhaps loss of life is not something you can relate to at this time but loss of a relationship, job, dreams, hope or even faith.
Whatever ails your mental health today, I pray for peace over the situation. Let there be any good you can identify and let that be magnified. And if you are sitting here still wondering what good there may be to find, I encourage you to seek Jesus because He is good. And He will open a world for you that you’ve never seen before if you let Him. In another post, I will share my testimony about the goodness of the Lord and what He’s done in my life.
Let’s Talk
Who are what are you reminded of this holiday season? Will you be doing anything special in remembrance of your loved one?
Leave a Reply