While families gather together next week for Thanksgiving and the holiday seasons begin for many, it’s a very painful time of year for others. Let’s not forget the reasons why it’s not the most wonderful time of the year.
The empty chairs at the table remind us that some are missing. They are missing due to they have moved on to a less painful world and have joined ancestors. An empty chair always stands as a painful reminder that holidays are never the same.
Others are missing due to division in families over race, politics, and religion. Cutting ties with a toxic friend or family member is still painful. And that empty chair reminds us of that situation.
Many cannot afford to celebrate. Yes! It takes money to celebrate as society pressures us with lights, trees, presents, the best of the best of everything or you’re not doing it right. Let’s try not to be boastful about how amazing our holidays are with pics of presents and holiday decor.
Lots of people have to work in hospitals, hospitality, gas stations, and emergency management. Let’s not forget to thank them, tip your servers and bartenders generously. Appreciate the front-line workers for their service, working to protect us and be there for our emergencies while many rests.
Don’t forget so many are homeless and hungry. Make an extra plate and drop it off to those shut-in or to your local homeless guy. They’ll probably appreciate more than anyone at your table.
Prayers for all struggling this time of year. I will blog about my struggles, another time but this time of year is the one time I wish my life away and want it to fast forward. I know I’m not alone and many resonate with something I’ve said above. Let’s remember this as we move forward in the holiday season. Let’s try to reach out to those who know it’s not the most wonderful time of the year.
Dealing to Healing 