Reality

Last year the holidays started looking a little different for our family. Times for everyone have been tough, and with the hubby and myself both working in real estate… I guess that gives you a pretty clear picture of how drastically things have changed… a reality many of you are facing as well.

Last year when we explained to the kids that Christmas might look a little different than what they were accustomed to, they weren’t sure what to expect or what that looked like (we didn’t know either). The thing that helped us get through it was believing that this year would be better…

Things have improved in our market, and there does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel… but the tunnel is very, very long… and the light is still just an extremely faint glow. To put it simply… my hope that this holiday season would be more like what we’d had in previous years, is not the reality.

I’m not saying this because I feel sorry for myself, or am looking for sympathy… I’m only being honest, and I know many others are in this same position. It can be really difficult to get in the spirit of Christmas when we’re so disappointed and stressed over how it will all play out, and with the future still so ‘up in the air’.

Statistically, the number of cases of depression rise around the holidays, and I’m sure this year will be no exception. On top of the present state of our economy, you throw in the emotional distress many families face… that become increasingly painful as they spend time together ‘celebrating’… and you have the main ingredients for a Merry Mess!

I find it odd that since Thanksgiving is upon us, some people think that all the pain and hurts that have been compounding for years are supposed to magically disappear. This is a wonderful thought, though it can cause even more frustration when it doesn’t end up working out. It seems like the pressure is on more than ever to put differences behind you… although it isn’t always a quick or easy fix.

For those of you who deal with family ‘issues’, you know where I’m coming from and I’m sure you can relate to the mixed feelings the holidays bring with them. You want to focus on the joys of the season, but you can’t get past the stress, worry, and possibly the guilt associated with the financial situations and family friction.

We all have our share of ups and downs over the holidays. I know there will be some wonderful and cherished memories to be had, as well as a chance for hurtful comments or drama… this is what real life is made of… there is always good AND bad, it’s how we choose to handle it all that matters.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15

I need to dig deep and find the inner strength that our Heavenly Father has given me, and rise to the occasion. I can either be a good example to my kids and my unsaved family members, or I can choose to be petty (I’ve chosen this path before) and have them question my faith, beliefs, and the thing I struggle with the most… my ability to follow the example of Jesus… and forgive.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7

I hope that when you start to feel the pressure and anxiety… the reality this ‘joyous season’ undoubtedly will bring… you’ll remember to humble yourselves and let the Lord be your sustenance. There is much to celebrate… a little baby born so that we might be saved… is it possible to look past our differences and circumstances long enough to be thankful…?

Tagged as: Family, Finances, Forgive, Holidays, Hope, Jesus, Reality, Savior, Stress, Struggles