Sarah Day 24--
Christmas is always a busy time of the year for me . . . Well, ever since Jesse and I started dating anyway. Trying to make it to all of the Christmas events for his family and mine seems impossible, and it usually is. Both he and I, or both of us, normally end up missing at least one every year. For the last five years, we have had seven places to be at between December 23rd-25th. That is a lot. This year was no different, only we have had to try and squeeze in one more, since mom and dad are not together.
When Jesse and I have so many places to be around Christmas time, we find it extremely difficult to sit back and enjoy the little amount of time we have to spend at one place. We are always on a time clock, and worried about making it to the next place. Usually, just as we start enjoying ourselves, it is time to leave. I have noticed that he and I are not the only ones who are frustrated by this, as sometimes our family seems to be too. They always understand, but it isn't fun to have to try and plan so much. Christmas is supposed to be relaxed and laid-back, but for he and I, it usually is not.
Sam and Jordan seem to have this issue as well. Christmas eve has always been the day Jordan and I spend here at home with my mom and dad. However, with mom and dad separating, Jordan, Sam, Jesse and I, stayed with my mom yesterday evening until this morning. At around 11:00 this morning, we all came over here for dad's turn. Jordan and Sam were only able to stay for a couple of hours before they had to leave and get to Fosston for Sam's family Christmas. Uff, it is not easy trying to work around everyone's schedule.
I think we all thought today was a little challenging emotionally. Probably more so for mom, dad and I. Jordan lives in his own house in town, and he is a go-with-the-flow kind of guy. He just wants everyone to do what they need to do, and he will do what he needs to do. Lucky for him that he can deal with tough situations that way, but the three of us are really not the same. We are doing the best that we can with trying to contain our feelings, but regardless, this day seemed to bring out some tears in the three of us.
Today my good deeds revolved around Christmas here at the house with my dad. I power-cleaned the house after I got back from moms, went into town to get some lunch for the five of us, and then cooked supper for dad, Jesse and I. Mom had a prime rib all ready to be put in the oven for us, so all I really had to do was put it in and make some ah jus. We have always had prime rib for dinner on Christmas eve . . . Unfortunately, supper did not taste nor feel the same as it usually does. Things are different now.
Christmas is always a busy time of the year for me . . . Well, ever since Jesse and I started dating anyway. Trying to make it to all of the Christmas events for his family and mine seems impossible, and it usually is. Both he and I, or both of us, normally end up missing at least one every year. For the last five years, we have had seven places to be at between December 23rd-25th. That is a lot. This year was no different, only we have had to try and squeeze in one more, since mom and dad are not together.
When Jesse and I have so many places to be around Christmas time, we find it extremely difficult to sit back and enjoy the little amount of time we have to spend at one place. We are always on a time clock, and worried about making it to the next place. Usually, just as we start enjoying ourselves, it is time to leave. I have noticed that he and I are not the only ones who are frustrated by this, as sometimes our family seems to be too. They always understand, but it isn't fun to have to try and plan so much. Christmas is supposed to be relaxed and laid-back, but for he and I, it usually is not.
Sam and Jordan seem to have this issue as well. Christmas eve has always been the day Jordan and I spend here at home with my mom and dad. However, with mom and dad separating, Jordan, Sam, Jesse and I, stayed with my mom yesterday evening until this morning. At around 11:00 this morning, we all came over here for dad's turn. Jordan and Sam were only able to stay for a couple of hours before they had to leave and get to Fosston for Sam's family Christmas. Uff, it is not easy trying to work around everyone's schedule.
I think we all thought today was a little challenging emotionally. Probably more so for mom, dad and I. Jordan lives in his own house in town, and he is a go-with-the-flow kind of guy. He just wants everyone to do what they need to do, and he will do what he needs to do. Lucky for him that he can deal with tough situations that way, but the three of us are really not the same. We are doing the best that we can with trying to contain our feelings, but regardless, this day seemed to bring out some tears in the three of us.
Today my good deeds revolved around Christmas here at the house with my dad. I power-cleaned the house after I got back from moms, went into town to get some lunch for the five of us, and then cooked supper for dad, Jesse and I. Mom had a prime rib all ready to be put in the oven for us, so all I really had to do was put it in and make some ah jus. We have always had prime rib for dinner on Christmas eve . . . Unfortunately, supper did not taste nor feel the same as it usually does. Things are different now.
Time heals all wounds though, right? That is what I keep telling myself. Eventually, things like this will not be so hard to deal with. We will make new traditions and not think about the old. We will enjoy ourselves at the holidays and learn to laugh again, and I mean really laugh. We will look back on only the good memories and we will be grateful for them. One day, all of this pain we have been through will make sense. Maybe not today, tomorrow, or the next . . . But one day, it will.
Sarah
Sheila Day 24--
PHEW! Today was really, really a tough one, and yet, there are many blessings if one takes the time to just pay attention and look for them. The kids and I stayed up til 1:00 a.m. and watched Pitch Perfect. This movie is so funny and the music is incredible. All of us enjoyed it; however, Rah and I petered out during the last half hour. The kids had to go visit Cal by 11:00 so needless to say, the time simply ended much too soon.
Before they all got up, I decided to work on my good deed for the day. I got up bright and early to do some emailing. I have two young men that I care a lot about that are overseas for Christmas. They will not be with their families, and I can only imagine, this will be a little hard on both of them. Thus, my deed for the day was to write each of them a letter and let them know that I was thinking about them this Christmas. I hope that sharing a little of my Christmas spirit makes their day just a little bit brighter.
Then I got onto Facebook and popped off a message to Jamie, Derek, and Andy who lost their mommoms just a short time ago. I think Christmas for them will be hard as Janeen had an amazing spirit and a zest for life. Her presence was a gift and it filled the room. I let them know if I was thinking about and praying for them. Again, just hoping to make their day a little brighter.
Something cool happened in the middle of my little quest . . . I got a text from someone praying for me as they knew I would probably be having a difficult time this Christmas. I cannot tell you how much it meant to me that some were thinking about me in the midst of their celebration . . . sigh . . .:)
Next, I texted Ken, their papa. I said much the same thing as I said to his kiddos. He responded almost immediately and let me know he was home for Christmas. I am so happy that they will be spending the evening together and am praying they find the Christmas Spirit in the memories they will be sharing.
I sent several other messages throughout the day, and I was blessed with several texts from people who were also praying for me. Today did not cost me a dime, but thinking of folks doesn't. The only thing it costs you is a little bit of time as you jot down a message and send it off. And from my own experience, I know that the thought means a TON! There have been many days when those little texts have shifted the entire momentum of my day. Those messages are saved and give me strength on days when I feel like it takes every ounce of strength to just get through.
I can only imagine that today might have been tough for a number of people. Christmas sometimes reminds us of what is missing instead of reminding us of what is right here if we simply look for the messages from God given to us through people who genuinely care.
Prayers for Finding the Messages,
Sheila
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.