Thursday, December 22, 2011

Christmas can hurt

It's a difficult time of year, these Christmas days. Yes, my son and I have reunited, and we share a close relationship now. But I won't see him Christmas. It's for a good reason, though–because he's forging his own life! 

Sadly, estrangement within families seems to be very common nowadays. Talk to anyone, and they'll mention s0-and-so who hasn't called or visited in years. Or maybe bonds have been severed for deeper reasons. It doesn't matter–the hurt's just the same. Even now, I deal with it, too, but with a different family member (not my children). This person treats me like I'm dead. I've just had to let go and let God. I can't fix the broken bond, though I've tried. So has my mother. It saddens me because life is so very short. We're here for just a short time. And even that's iffy....any day can be our last. All I can do is keep praying and ask God to heal the relationship in His time. 

If you've found your way to this blog because of separation and pain within your own life, please know that you are not alone. Even though Christmas is "suppose" to be that JOYOUS time of year, it's just not. My heart goes out to you, friend. Please e-mail me if you need someone to share with. Wherever and whoever you are, I've asked God to bless and strengthen you as you read this post.

In His Love,
sheryl

8 comments:

  1. Oh, Sheryl, I feel your pain...I'm so sorry that you hurt - that Christmas hurts this year. Please know I'm thinking of you and I'll be praying for you and for reconcilliation. It's God in you that allows you to reach out to others in the midst of your pain. God bless you.

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  2. These hurts we carry become more painful during the holidays. I too will pray for reconcilliation and for opportunities for God to use what you are learning to help another soul. Bless you and Merry Chritmas. Betty

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  3. Thank you both so very much! Truthfully, I'm not letting this separation eat at me and wound me. I'm at peace, though I do feel a little anger sometimes at this person (the estrangement is affecting other people in this person's life as well). But there's nothing I can do to change anything! In the past with my son, God healed the tear; if it's His will, He'll fix this one, too. Merry merry Christmas to you both, friends, and a very blessed New Year too!! Much love, sheryl

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  4. Merry Christmas to you, Diane!!!!!!! And to you, Betty! :-)

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  5. Hi Sheryl: There are things that we'll never understand but after we leave our earthly bodies. It is difficult to go through phases in life when we feel alone and neglected. I have to assume we all go through these fases. The secret is to strive to not neglectet ourselves. We do need to pay attention when these hurts are trying to overcome us and fight back. I assume it is exactly what you do. Well done! Even when we are in the process of "fighting" to get rid of our anger there is only One that can do this for us and it is our Lord Jesus Christ. We can do very little if nothing of ourselves. We can look around and observe others that seem not have any care in the world and/or any belief in a higher entity. They might come across as "happy and prosperous" yet it our distorted view of the world that plays many tricks in our minds. I assume there is hurt in everyones life and pain in everyones heart. We need to reach for people that are supportive, positive, believers and ask God to put these people in our path. He will. He does. I do not mean to preach to the choir but I know pain and I empathise with your hurting heart. Keep being of "good faith" and the Lord our God will take care of the rest. I say that to you and to me. Know that He indeed cares for you and will find always a way to soothe your pain and your broken heart.Life can be an adventure (good one) after all if we Trust and Obey. Have a wonderful New Year. May His blessings fall upon you and your family in great measure. May your heart feel full of joy and contentment for all the things that you have and all the things that He already brings to you everyday. Greetings, Anna.

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  6. Thank you, Anna. You've very kind. I've given up and given this person to God. I can't do anything more. I often ask God to give me His Son's heart, to fill me with His love. But then I'm human, and that's not possible to keep continually going. But I try! Happy new year to you, too friend! Love, sheryl

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  7. Sheryl-
    Thank you for writing about deep emotional pain that Christmas somehow seems to force to the surface. It is a very tough time for so many people and all we can do is exactly what you say, "Let Go and Let God" and then we keep moving on. Life is short and we need to find Joy moments whenever we can. Its not perfect, but what an amazing GIFT life is to all of us! Blessings, Martha

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