It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

My daughter and I were in the mall a couple of weeks ago, and since by now we’ve heard every rendition possible of “I’ll Have a Blue Christmas Without You!”, we started to sing along with it, when we both caught the words we were singing…..and we said to each other, almost, simultaneously…. “Oh….no we won’t. We’re going to have a bright, merry Christmas, because you are having a bright, merry Christmas in heaven!” There’s just too many blessings, and too much to be thankful for — to allow ourselves to be singing “down and out” songs or saying “woe is me” words. We are just too blessed.

Just a month after the funeral of my Honey, this morning I attended the funeral of a dear 98-year old friend who was my mentor in so many ways. She raised two children by herself; she worked so hard to support them and send them to private school; she never missed a church service –- rain, sleet or snow — she was always there; she always had a kind word to say to everyone. She was just the kind of person you would want to sit by at a table because you never heard her complaining -–just always telling stories about her audacious, yet child-like faith. She loved God with all her heart. Oh, what joy it is to know she has reached her heavenly reward — she earned this! In the foyer, afterwards, a sweet friend acknowledged me and said, “Oh, it must be so hard for you to attend another funeral!” My reply…”No, not at all. It’s another celebration to attend!

Never having been a widow before, even though people mean well, I’m finding it rather amusing….. and disconcerting, to hear what they say, or read what they’ve written in cards. Such remarks as: “You’ll have a hard Christmas and new year, but God will be with you!” or “Just go ahead and grieve – it’s okay!” Just last night, I was telling another friend that my two younger grandsons would be spending a week with me after Christmas. Her reply, “Oh, that’s good. It will help you get through this tough time.” I’m thinking….”Wow, these well-meaning friends need a class in “Bringing Hope and Cheer – 101”!!!

Oh, yes, there are those times when I think about the sweetness of our 44-year love story, and I start to shed a few tears because I do miss him so much. Just this last week, I packed up a lot of files and documents for our attorney. After all, we had a business and humanitarian foundation that his departure caused the need for some major business adjustments. There was one file that I just could not find. It was an essential piece of information necessary for the attorney, but, after searching for hours, I resigned myself, to going to the appointment without that file. I didn’t think about it after that. Once I had Ron’s briefcase packed full of the files, I realized, “This briefcase, full of files, represents his life,” and I started to weep. But then, almost immediately, the tears turned to rejoicing! I thought, “These tears will do me no good…except for messing up my make-up”, and then, a profound sense of thanksgiving and praise begin to take over. I began to sing and praise and worship my Father God. I was overcome with rejoicing! I continued to praise as I walked down the hall. I glanced down, and noticed that coming out from underneath my hall closet door was some greenery. I put it in there to make room for the Christmas decorations. I opened the door to shove it back, and I could hardly believe my eyes. There was a box full of files…..that contained the “missing” file that I needed for the attorney. My rejoicing escalated.

Several lessons I learned from that experience: 1) Psalm 16:11 “…..in His presence is fullness of joy” – His presence was sensed when I took my eyes off myself, and turned them to Him; 2) Psalm 22:3 “He inhabits the praises of His people” – He was there with me when I praised Him; 3) He promised to be my Shepherd in Psalm 23, therefore, I shall not want because He leads me and He guides me. Why should I be surprised when He provides just what I need?

So, my Journey of Faith continues. Yes, there have been course alterations and my life-long companion is not holding my hand on this earth any more, but nevertheless, I am finding that the journey still keeps getting sweeter and sweeter…..the more I trust Him, the more He gives me “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” Isaiah 61:3. Yes, those are the words I will give to those who are going through a crisis of any kind! It is possible to be full of joy….whenever….and, even at a funeral! Regardless of the season or time of year, God is so faithful, and we can always be singing, “IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!!!”