Merry Makingthebestofitmas:

A lesson of joy through reflection

During that time between Thanksgiving and Christmas (more commonly known as Advent, in the liturgical church), many of us grow hypersensitive to the general atmosphere of the sudden onslaught of overstimulation in the world around us. 

 

Houses bedecked in bright, twinkling lights; lawns with inflatable holiday characters strewn about; holiday music that has been playing on some radio stations since November 1st; and let's not forget the daily bombardment of email, junk mail, and television commercials encouraging you to buy, buy, buy that "perfect" gift for your loved ones.

As this time of year, sometimes called "The dark of the year" due to fewer hours of daylight, approaches, there is a natural tendency to reflect on times past or difficult situations we may be encountering in our present lives. We reminisce about loved ones who are no longer with us, and we grieve their absence.

We perseverate on circumstances beyond our own control-- a recent job lay-off, being all alone on Christmas, being apart hundreds to thousands of miles away from loved ones, a recent death, a terminal diagnosis, bodily aches and colds and flu symptoms, financial woes, etc.

For some, this becomes a period of deep depression versus Christmas joy. But what, exactly, is Christmas joy? Stop and pause for a moment, and really consider this question.

What IS Christmas joy?

Let's take death and loss for starters. The loss of a close loved one remains with us forever, no matter how recent or how many years have passed. This loss leaves us yearning for times when they were still with us, and we wonder how different the here and now would be if they were still here.

If they were still here, would they want us to be miserable and depressed during this time of year; (Or any time for that matter,) knowing that they are the root cause of those feelings?

Would YOU want someone feeling this way about you? I don't believe so.

There is great joy in the many wonderful memories we have of these beloved people. So we can look back and still celebrate their memory rather than wallow in misery. The same holds true for loved ones that are far away. As for other difficult issues that tend to be more predominant this time of year, we need to remind ourselves that nothing is permanent. 

We have all gotten through difficult times in our lives and still survived, and so far, our rate of getting through the hard times is 100%, and that's pretty darned good!

We don't need expensive gifts, twinkling lights, or shiny paper to make the best of the Christmas season. What we need is each other and to seek and reflect on why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.

Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born in the lowliest of settings --in a barn, surrounded by farm animals and the excrement that those animals produce. His parents were poor, with little to nothing in the way of material things.

Except for a bright star, there were no electric twinkling lights and no billboards advertising the latest "Must have," gift.

Still, there was great joy and rejoicing that this lowliest of children, this infant boy, had been born.  Yes, born to save a nation and a world in torment; Born to show the world God's grace and love and mercy through the human form; Born to teach us that when we come to Father through Jesus, all of our needs (Not wants--needs--there is a huge difference,) will be taken care of.

He was born to save us all.

So, it doesn't matter how much you have financially. It doesn't matter, the shiny bows and paper, twinkling lights, or getting that "perfect gift."  For we have already received that perfect gift. He is with us always, and loves us far more than we could ever imagine. THIS is the joy and wonder of Christmas.

In the words of Dr. Seuss:
"He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!"

And in the words of Charles Schultz, taken from the Gospel of  Luke 2:8-14:
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  





Therefore, we can find joy in this most wondrous of seasons, if we really stop and pause to remember the true reason for the celebration.
 

Difficult times are inevitable. We all must suffer to come unto Him. It not only strengthens us, but more importantly, it humbles us as human beings. Suffering is a part of life, but misery is optional.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.

God Bless

 

Nursing is more than medications and bandages

 

Today, while waiting in a facility lobby for a meeting, I had the honor of sitting next to a soft-spoken elder gentleman, who, like many coping with the cognitive deficits of dementia, was unable to relate any current events.

However he was so excited in telling me about his career as a dairy farmer and how he valued "good, hard, honest, work," (a very great value, indeed).

With each detailed explanation of his routine work day, the delight in his eyes rose. He interjected various stories of his family life, some funny and some a bit more solemn.

I could have listened to him go on all day, but the work day and the meeting were still at hand.

Thank you, Mr. H. for making my day. I know I may have given you a little reprieve from the sense of loneliness you felt sitting by yourself in the lobby, but in return, you gave me a wonderful reminder of why I love being a nurse.

Nursing is not just medications, bandages, and pencil-pushing (well, now we have computers), it is the art and science of caring for individual human beings.

Yes, we care for people with varied histories, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds--all with their own stories, and all in need of just a moment of time.

Time to talk, to have a hand held, to see a smiling face, to hear a gentle voice, to cry, to laugh, to pray, to know that someone truly cares, and to heal, not just physically but soulfully as well.