Dazzling White Lights

From the dazzling, stately-lit tree in the corner of my den to the small LED bulbs carefully sprinkled throughout my home, I am surrounded by Christmas cheer. My mantle is covered in sweet-smelling magnolia leaves, and the traditional manger scene has claimed its prominent place in our living room. I sit in my favorite chair, swallowed by a fuzzy white blanket, with the company of Hallmark in the background. Tonight, life is good, and I want to stay right here.  -Always.  

However, the daily routine does not allow one to stay cozy under the fuzzy white blanket for long. Life happens, and it is not always pretty. We have walked with some dear souls through years of ministry and four different churches.

I think of a friend with the profound loss of a loved one’s passing and first holidays with an empty chair.

I still ache for a wife who fled her home for her safety many years ago.

I know of a friend who was overlooked for the promotion at work.

I still think of the young mamma’s child wishing for gifts under a tree, both of us knowing the budget was too tight.

Friends, you and I know all kinds of hurt hidden behind the flicking lights of the holidays. What’s a gal to do when pain is raw and hurt is real?

If your heart is broken today, but the white lights continue to flicker, here are a few practical steps for survival and moving forward.

Be sure to create margins for your self-care. You must find time to replenish, renew, and rebuild. An empty vessel cannot pour into others. Discover a hobby or interest and find a venue to avoid burnout. Find a space for rest. Some of my practical ways to relax are a dinner out with friends, a date night with my husband, and/or a night at home with a Hallmark movie.

Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest at night. Yes, it is a bit of age-old advice, but it makes a difference. Fruits, veggies, and lean meats are always a good choice. Just do it! If at all possible, plan for 8 hours of sleep. If you still have little ones waking up at night, sleep during naptime, go to bed early one night, or arrange for a friend or family member to help with a child while you sleep in on a Saturday morning.

Lastly, fight your battles on your knees. Honestly, prayer and praise give peace in challenging situations. Through prayer, I have found direction and life-giving answers for hurting problems for myself and my loved ones. A strong and steady prayer life makes daily life sustainable.

A strong and steady prayer life makes daily life sustainable.

Fighting your battles on your knees is key. God invites us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:28 (NIV)

My friend, whatever hurt you face today, let the flickering Christmas lights remind you of THE light of the World. Go to Him on bended knee with your every burden. He can heal the hidden hurt. “Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (ESV)

Merry Christmas Friends!