“Do you think Christmas will ever feel the same?”
This was the question my husband asked me recently. I knew exactly why he was asking…because it hasn’t been the same for three years…since our granddaughter, Annika, went to heaven. I thought for a minute and replied, “No sweetie, I don’t think it will ever feel the same. How can it? Our lives are not the same and will never be the same. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t be good. It will just always BE different and that’s okay. It’s okay for us to be happy, to enjoy our family, our grandkids who are with us.”
As I looked back on our journey through loss, I thought about others in the Grace family who are on their own grief journey. For many, the journey is new. They are still experiencing the “firsts.” Those are especially difficult to navigate. I am so grateful for those who came alongside us, held our hands, listened, shared, and cried with us. They live this verse: “Blessed be…God…who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
If you are grieving a loss, your church family is here. We love you and we care. Find someone to talk to. If you don’t know where to start, ask me, ask Pastor Ben or Shannon Gray. We will help you. If you don’t know how to help someone who is grieving, there are some great books and articles that can help you. I have listed some links below. The thing is, do something. Don’t be afraid to reach out, to talk about their loved one, to listen. I promise you, it makes a difference.
5 Ways to Handle Grief, Loneliness at Christmastime
How the Church Can Help Grieving and Broken Families During the Holidays
—Nita Hallman