Do not fear, for I am
with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
During the
advent season, many are looking forward to time shared with family and friends,
however, others of us may find that this time of year has more challenges than
pleasures. Gatherings present various
issues for me. The biggest challenge is
food. I have to navigate what is
available so that I eat enough without getting so sick that I can’t enjoy
myself. Clothing is another challenge as
I am very sensitive to both fabrics and temperature. What may work one day may not on
another. An additional hurdle is a
heightened “flight or fight” response.
Consequently, my physical response to uncomfortable social situations
and personality differences are often exacerbated. While I will enjoy those with whom I celebrate,
there are many others that I wish the celebrations would include, but will not;
they will be sorely missed. There are
also uncertainties in our life making this holiday season less than
carefree. I am not alone in any of this
as I recognize that many will find it difficult to enjoy the holidays this year
due to their own health issues, the rigors of travel, the loss of loved ones,
family conflicts, etc. Yet in our
trials, we should still seek to experience the peace, hope, and joy that our
Savior provides.
With all of
the activities of this year, I am already spent so I must admit that I am less
than enthused with respect to any more activities that make significant demands
of me. However, I realize that
celebrating the incarnation of Christ and the time spent with family will have
benefits both spiritually and emotionally.
I believe our ever gracious Savior understands my weakness and placed
Isaiah 41:10 before me in light of the advent season as a reminder of my true
source of peace, hope and joy.
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