Tis the Season

These past few years have been rough and although this time of year has lost some of its “magic”, they’ve brought forth a new perspective amid their difficulties.

Last week, along with my husband and son, I sat at the bedside of a very special woman, my husband’s aunt. She is home on hospice, as she has stage-four cancer.

As we were leaving her house, standing in the cold, I noticed the Christmas lights and decorations with their soft glow in the neighbors yard. What was a painful visit, I appreciated the beautiful scenery as we left.

This time of year brings significant reminders with it for me and my family. Reminders of past trauma, grief, and loss.

But along with it I’m reminded of a special moment during our journey through a deep valley in 2021…

I was driving to the hospital for the umpteenth time to sit at my husband’s bedside as he fought for his life in the ICU.

Praying and fighting back tears as I drove, I noticed the street lights already decorated for Christmas. I always loved when I saw those up, signifying the start of my favorite season, but this time they brought a feeling of discontent.

In the midst of my prayer, I asked God a question. “Why? Why are you allowing this to happen and especially at this time? When we should be enjoying the warm, cozy feelings from the glow of the lights together, the peaceful silence of falling snow and everything this season holds and represents, why would you allow this during this time?”

As fast as I spewed out my frustration it was as though he replied, “So you can see the beauty in the midst of it.” I had been surrounded by sickness and death, and here were these brief moments of glimpses of beauty around me.

It was a simple reminder, that throughout all our painful moments, when we surrender them over to Jesus, there’s beauty to be found in the midst of them.

Maybe this isn’t your favorite time of year. Maybe you’re going through a season of pain or even loss. My prayer for you as you go through this valley, is that you too will see and feel the peace and beauty that surrounds you as you walk through with Him.