I recently published a blog post about “Grieving for the
Holidays” and how you can begin preparing yourself if you anticipate feelings
of grief. You can find it here. I want to flip the script and take a different
angle as the holidays near.
It is ok to be ok.
It is ok if you feel happy and excited and believe it is the
most wonderful time of the year. It is ok to enjoy all the things you used to
enjoy.
It is ok to revive old traditions or make new ones.
It is ok for you to take a deep breath and exhale deeply. And
then do one thing you want to do but are afraid to do. Don’t be afraid to feel.
It is ok for you to move forward.
It is ok to remember, to feel sadness, but also feel a sense
of joy and peace.
It is ok for you to allow people to love and care for you
well as they remember and acknowledge you. You are so loved. Let people live
that out in your life.
It is ok if this holiday season is filled with more memories.
Making new ones does not mean you are forgetting or replacing old ones.
It is ok for you to be ok.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in
believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
