From a relative

I have no particular Christmas thoughts today.
We are in a such a unique holiday season as a family and community and our country .
We are more separated from each other to a greater degree than we have experienced before. World chaos, insecurity, illness, job loss have also increased our separateness.

But our parents/ grandparents went through very difficult times of separation during war, lack during depressions, unstable times.
I look at old photos and try to imagine how they coped – which they did well – or we wouldn’t have turned out as well as we are!
I wish I had asked my mom how she did it. But she shared enough with me and lived it out daily –
I think this is what she would say..

1. Have faith in God- He is not surprised or unprepared for what you are going through
2. Pray -about what you should do, strength for coming days, patience when you don’t see how or why He is working it out and pray for other people who have a worse situation than you do
3. Enjoy small things
4. Be kind
5. Walk in the rain with your friend
6. Bake
7. Sing, even when you can’t carry a tune
8. Keep busy- there is still something else to do
9. Go watch the sunset and take hundreds of pictures
10. Pray again

Jesus left his throne in heaven to become one of us – to share in our human condition, at a time as chaotic, desperate, and confusing as ours.
He came to be with us – Immanuel
He is beside you in the hospital room, at the table as you try to help your child with math, in the store trying to find enough provision for your family, at your job as you face new challenges
Just pray and ask Him. He is with us.