Anytime things change (whether for good or for bad) emotional wrestling matches ensue. Long ago, I learned that the messages I choose to believe must be measured by their congruence and agreement with scripture. For this reason, each time a thought of Tiffany or memories of my Dad invade my mind, I choose to refuse to be overcome by grief, instead reminding myself that they would not return if they could and are both enjoying all the blessings of heaven promised to those who faithfully trust Christ as Lord.
I am thankful for Christmas and all of the delights and joys that have accompanied its celebration throughout my lifetime, but this year, my thankfulness exceeds all years past in spite of my sorrow. Knowing that Christ's coming into the world brought with it the chance for us to experience eternal life and a future that never includes the painful good-byes associated with this particular year of my life is reason to rejoice, to celebrate and to commemorate.
My prayer is that each person who reads this, especially those who grieve the loss of loved ones during the holidays, are able to overcome the blues with the blessing of this comforting promise from 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
2 comments:
Thank you for your post! Although my Father has been gone from this earth over 30 years now, I miss him still so much. He had to leave this earth so soon, but so thankful to have such wonderful memories of him. I know he is now with his Mother and Father and all of his brothers and his sister. Thinking about you and your family this Christmas and I wish you a Merry Christmas.
Thanks Sandy. I know how you are feeling as Christmas approaches and thank you for reminding me of what God promises us. I especially like the thought that they would not want to return even if they could. That will help me have a joyous heart this Christmas season. Love you Sandy!
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