"Good Grief"

"Good grief, Charlie Brown!" -Charles Schultz

Yes, it is December, and only two weeks
away from Christmas--I really haven't forgotten
that this is the time of happiness and joy. Or,
at least that's what we most often think.

The holiday seasons can also be a time of
grieving for many. We grieve because of
loved ones who aren't here any more to
celebrate the season with us. Sometimes
we grieve because Christmas just doesn't
live up to the stories and carols.

It also is a time of change as we see the
last weeks of the year start to come to a
close, and perhaps things haven't worked
out the way we wanted or goals haven't
been achieved.

Jesus is reported to have said," Blessed are
those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Matthew 5:4.

We are blessed as we grieve when we take
time to be aware of our feelings instead of
stuffing them inside. It's alright if we are
not full of happiness and joy.

The most important thing to do is to be kind
and gentle with ourselves, and allow us to
feel our feelings.

Perhaps then we can go from grief to joy as
we release those feelings.

None of the feelings are right or wrong. They
are just feelings. The important thing is to
recognize them and take care of ourselves
around what we are feeling.

Let Us Pray:
Sweet Holy Spirit, we go within and connect
with You. We are grateful for this time when
we can be aware of our feelings, and grateful
that Your love surrounds and enfolds us. We
are so blessed. Thank You. Amen.

We are grateful for you, and we wish you
awareness and peace in this blessed time of
year.

Love,
Sandy