Tis the Season…
..to be lonely. Everyone is shopping and spending time with family and friends. It is such a busy time. But, the holidays can be a very difficult time for so many people.
I lost my grandfather eight years ago right after Christmas. I was extremely close to him and was his caregiver during his last two years. When he passed on, I was devastated. I did not deal well with it so I went to a grief support group to help me better deal with it. I still attend on occasion, mostly around the holidays because that is when it is most difficult for me. I also continue to attend these meetings because it has become a time of fellowship with a wonderful group of mostly older ladies.
The most important lesson I take from these ladies is that with our loss things change. We do not always like it, but it does. When we lose someone, it changes our routines and our traditions.
For some people, this can even mean the loss of their remaining family, a wife that loses her husband and they have no surviving children or an child that loses his last remaining parent. These are the people that can feel particularly lonely.
The Bible even tells us several times to care for the widows and the orphans. During the holidays, this can be as simple as visiting someone. Take some cookies or fudge. Have your children make a homemade ornament and take it to them. Take a group of friends and go caroling. Invite them to go look at Christmas lights. There are so many little things that we can do that would mean a lot to someone else, something that would help them to feel not so lonely.
What are some things your family has done?
Be encouraged by these posts as well!
- Black Friday: Life Changes - November 23, 2018
- Overwhelmed?Look to God! - June 20, 2018
- Looking Forward in Marriage: Retirement - June 13, 2018
Our good friend just lost her husband so I make it a point to send her weekly messages letting her know we are here. We have also met her at church and helped with the girls when needed. Told her how strong she is and just keeps her lifted up. I also lost my mom some time ago and Christmas has never been the same.
How wonderful! There are so many little things we can do that can mean more than we will know. A loss of a loved one changes us.
Thank you for the reminder to look beyond myself this season.
You’re welcome. I reply to this as I’m attending this grief support group and realized I did not mention that sometimes the best thing you can do is listen.
I have been thinking about this a lot. I will often think about all the wonderful things I could do for people like sending a letter or visiting or even bring food but then I never follow through. Thank you for your scriptural reminder!
You’re welcome. I pray that you have find a way to reach out to someone who needs it.