Life As It Is.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.

The house was quiet last Wednesday except for Don Williams serenading me. I was sweeping, all alone, happily bustling along doing last minute preparation for the next day's Thanksgiving celebration. My thoughts turned to my mom and how much my love for entertaining and hospitality likely stems from her love of celebrations, traditions, and gatherings. I grew sad thinking of her and missing her. Then I remembered that while my grief has had fifteen years to ease, there are others in my life for whom their grief is very fresh and raw. My heart broke as I thought of little J's family as they enter their first holiday season since losing J. I thought of my grandma who will be celebrating her first holiday season since my grandpa passed. I think of a dear friend as she fights cancer....yet again. Another friend of many years found out just days ago that her husband has blood cancer. And so many others, who may not even be experiencing a loss necessarily, but are hurting in other ways, perhaps even more secretly and silently, unbeknownst to those around them.

We often feel the need to show the polished versions of ourselves to the world, too afraid to say we're not okay for fear of being judged, or just not being heard. So as people come to mind during this holiday season, I will be praying that God will comfort them and let them know they are deeply loved. God is near to the brokenhearted. I thank God, knowing that He meets us with mercy and grace and hope, not with judgment. He tells us to come as we are, broken. I'm grateful that we don't have to be polished pretenders who give the illusion of unmessy lives. Life comes with suffering and trials and we can help bear one another's burdens and be a safe place for one another when times aren't as shiny and sparkly as the Hallmark commercials. It's okay to let the tears fall while you sweep up crumbs and scrub the spills that have dribbled down the side of the stove. I hope God's mercy meets you where you are this holiday season.

Bags of blessing.

Advent began on Sunday and one of the ways our family chooses to observe Advent is by intentionally looking outside of ourselves and serving people around us. Something that began years ago as a personal observation of Advent has become a family tradition over the years and it is a posture that I ask God to grow in our hearts throughout the year.

This year, Avery spearheaded one of our Advent plans. She wanted to have bags of food, toiletries, warm clothing, and gift cards for food available in our car to give to homeless individuals that we see on the street.

Let me just be honest here and say that it can be really easy to think of the reasons we shouldn't do this. There are reasons. I have a tendency to want to research charities and organizations that we give our time and money to (ahem, GOD'S time and money). I always want to make the best choice. But that tendency can keep me from acting at all. In 2011, I came to a realization that I too often ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit (read: I'm disobedient to what God asks of me). And I could give you a list of reasons and rationalizations, but that doesn't change the truth.

I don't want to be a person who sees need around me and does nothing. My choices may not always be right or perfect, that is for sure. But I care about the hurting people in the world, and while I want to ask for God's wisdom and act accordingly, I do want to ACT.

I'm thankful that despite my own cynicism at times, our ongoing conversation with our girls about caring for and loving the people around us is taking root and they're taking initiative to find ways to meet needs and serve in love. I never want to deter them from doing that, even if it isn't the "best" way. I want them to be people of compassion, always mindful that God loves them and He's caring for them and then desiring to pour that love out on others, showing them His love and bringing glory to His name. God will take care of the rest.