For Everything That Passes, Something New Begins

My heart has been heavy these past few days with the realization that so many peoples lives have been shattered.  As a nation we lost beautiful little children who were, undoubtedly, anticipating the arrival of Santa at their homes and the joy of waking Christmas morning to a new bounty. We lost adults whose families will be grieving instead of celebrating.  So much loss and pain, too many families related or not, who will be trying to find meaning and healing, and who may from this point on find the holidays a time of struggle instead of a time of unity, joy & happiness.

So often we go about our daily holiday crazes; buying that gift, making something else, baking, baking, baking, and so-on-and-so-forth, all with the anticipation of spending time with family and friends, most of whom we love so very much, and some whom we don't realize how much we love them until they are not here.

I had a difficult time getting into the holiday spirit this year, usually I am the one who rallies the troops, "Come on, come on!  Let's get all the stuff out of the shed, time to decorate!"  I even had the family take a day-trip to Leavenworth, the epitome of Christmas, to shake me up a bit.  (For those who don't live in Washington State, Leavenworth is literally a Christmas town filled with lights, carolers, Santa & Mrs. Clause, all things Christmas-like.)  I figured if this town couldn't get me in the spirit, nothing would.  After forging through two white-out blizzards on our way back over the mountain passes, I decided it was time for Christmas.  I was in full preparation mode!

Then came the horrible news of these poor children, their teachers and their families. Suddenly it became a time of mourning, it was very tangible everywhere I went.  I am a bit of an emotional sponge and found myself continuously feeling on the verge of tears and anxious.

Now I would like to share with you something I learned when my mom passed away.  My sister & I had gone to Oregon to be with her and my dad, to help take care of her and then after she passed I stayed an extra week to help my dad get some things in order. It was a difficult time, full of mourning.  Almost a year after, a new, young couple moved into the house across the street from us.  After they had gotten a bit settled I went over to introduce myself and welcome them.  During the course of our conversation I found out they had gotten married a year before on August 31st, the same day my mom had passed away. The passage "I will make all things new" went through my head and I thought, "Hmm".

From there stemmed a revelation that has embedded itself into my heart...For everything that passes, something new begins.  This past week, as I was struggling with death (and might I add, innocent people are dying every day, and others are suffering immeasurable losses, these are the unspoken ones we don't hear about) and trying to stay in the holiday spirit, I remembered what the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart...that for every loss, somewhere there is a new beginning.  Yes mourn, and rightfully so, our losses, but also remember to celebrate our life and our new beginnings.  I decided, that as unfortunate as these events are, I had a responsibility to also celebrate in the good things.

I will pray for all those personally involved in the recent tragedy, but I will also be here emotionally and spiritually for my family, keeping all things in perspective and providing a stable foundation for the ones I love.  In our home this will be a time of celebration and love for all that we are and all that we have, while remembering those who are struggling and praying for their well-being.

Please be blessed this Christmas season, from my home to yours.