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.