Gratefulness at Christmas

It is easy to lose sight of the good things in your life, especially when times are tough.  Even at Christmas, there is no guarantee that you will find joy.  With all the counting of blessings, celebrations and the inevitable resolutions that follow soon after,  it is not unsurprising that many people crash in a melange of sadness and depression.  Rather than tell you all that gratefulness is the super power you need to get through the storm, I thought that I would ‘practice what I preach’ and express a little gratitude myself.  Before you say that I’m just fishing for extra presents, the shopping has been completed, so this is just pure gratitude.

My children

It is not unusual for parents to be grateful for children, even if they don’t clean their rooms.  Given the tragic circumstances coming out of Tasmania this week, it seems somehow important to hold your children that little bit tighter.  I am grateful for my children.

My children are never too far from me.  I get hugs from them every day.  Whether emotionally or physically, they are by my side.  They know me well, both the good and bad, and enjoy my company.  One floats about like a delicate sprite, spreading gentleness wherever she goes.  Another is creative and strong willed,  displaying love in practical ways.  Still another is loyal and kind, showing empathy all the time.  They make me happy to be home.

Friends

This year has been tough for all of us in both similar and different ways.  I am no different.  I too have had my own hills to climb and issues to face on top of the lockdown.  With that in mind, I am grateful for the special friends that walked miles with me through the darkness.  Whether it was legally, physically or spiritually, I am grateful for those dear mates who never left my side.

Friendship starts in common interests and grows over time to embrace new influences.  I am grateful that I have friends that consider me worthy enough to suffer with.  I know that if the worst happens again, they will be right by my side where they have always been.

Home

So many do not have that special place that is theirs alone.  So many live in squalid and poverty stricken countries around the world through no fault of their own.  I am grateful that no matter what happens, I have my own soft place to fall.  A place where my family and I can retreat to from the world.  Even as I despair at the suffering around the world, I realise that I am blessed.  For this too, I am grateful.

Blessing

I have had people check in on me this year, which has been a wonderful blessing.  My brother, for example, is very busy and a lot of people rely on him.  Still, he always had time for a chat, text conversation and a laugh.  He has been sending me encouraging messages all year just to keep an eye on me.  It feels nice to be loved.

My wife

I am lucky enough to have many things to be grateful for.  Some are smaller things, others are huge and I’m not referring to a yacht or a weekender.  I am saving the greatest gratitude for my wife.  She really understood her vows when she said ‘For better or for worse’.  Her ability to love in tough times is humbling.

Those of you that have struggled with mental illness or been the carer of a sick person, will know that it doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed.  It affects the whole family.  My wife has loved us all in practical ways without quitting, despite the severe toll it took on her own well-being. I am grateful that she knows and taught me that love isn’t just how you feel, it is about what you do when no one is watching. Like Ecclesiastes says “A three strand cord is not quickly broken.”  We have a brighter future because of her.

Finally Faith

I am grateful for faith.  Knowing that I am saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, gives me a peace that there is purpose in all this.   I am grateful that Jesus set the ultimate example for humanity and that we have his example to follow.  Faith genuinely is the light in the darkness.

So when something inevitably goes wrong, or when everyone else is celebrating and you just want to hide away, try to focus on gratefulness.  If you are like me, you will find that you are surrounded by blessings, both big and small.  It may not make you feel like dancing under the fireworks, but it will help you to smile quietly to yourself, and that is a victory sometimes. Merry Christmas.

Related links

Merry Christmas Baby – Bruce Springsteen(11-12-2002 Studio 6A, Ge Building, Rockefeller Center, NY) – YouTube

Five ways to be kinder to yourself » The Good The Bad and The Unrelated