This time of year is super busy for our family. It all starts with our daughter Riley’s birthday in October.
Then comes:
Thanksgiving
Christmas
New Year’s Eve (also sweet Hubby and my anniversary)
New Year’s Day
Carson’s birthday
My Birthday
Valentines day
No matter what time of the year it is, it really never ends, does it?
It is so important, in all the buzz, to remember that there are hurting people.
People with deep wounds;
experiencing great loss.
The recent loss of a child.
A parent.
A loved one.
Miscarriage.
Depression.
Loneliness.
The weary and fatigued, from caring for family members who cannot care for themselves.
A word from the doctor about an ultrasound; that the baby growing in that sweet mother’s womb, would not live.
I don’t mean to be a downer during this “jolly” time of year.
Just a reminder, to myself if no one else, that I need to be seeking to minister to others. To weep with those who weep. To truly have a sincere heart of compassion for others.
Are you looking around? Or perhaps, like me, are you so focused on what you need to get done that you are missing taking the time to lend that hand, make that meal, put that arm around that hurting mom?
When I am not actively asking the Lord to make me aware of helping others, my eyes are, too often, fixed on self.
Sometimes, sad to say, I do not want to be bothered. Sounds awful, right? That’s my flesh.
But what if it was my parent who suddenly passed away?
My child who only lived for 2 minutes? :: Like Danielle
Miscarrying a second child in my womb? :: Like Monica.
Experiencing deep loneliness and depression?
I would surely want that arm around me!
I would desperately covet a dear sister in the Lord, crying “real” tears next to me, with a sincere heart of compassion!
I would NEED the prayers of those around me, praying on my behalf, when I did not have the strength to pray!
So won’t you please, take the time to pray, even now. Ask the Holy Spirit to make your heart sensitive, to open your eyes to those who may be hurting around you.
Jude 1:20-22
Go and make a difference this Christmas Season.
Be alert, having a heart full of compassion.
Amen Traci, thank you!
Deb
Oh, I have chills from this post! The Lord has been calling me to fervent prayer during this season & showing me a burden for some very painful trials friends around me are experiencing. I have been feeling the spiritual warfare & praying the blood of the lamb, and the word of testimony that overcomes the enemy. Thank you for this reminder to all of us today. The enemy is raging & we need to pray for & support eachother. Remind eachother not to believe his lies & to be girded with the Truth that sets us free!!!
Wylie
This is beautiful and perfect. It is so important that we not forget these things. Bless you for your message.
Traci,
Thanks so much for commenting on my blog.
It is always interesting to know how others find my blog.
I really enjoyed this post. It is good to remember others and the trials and sorrows that they might be going through; and also to pray for them. That is another reason I was resolved to pull myself out of my funk. I have it pretty good and I thank the Lord every day that I do not have a sick child or a huge loss in my family.
~Heather
Awesome Traci. Thanks for reminding all of us to be on the lookout for those in need…that should always be our main focus. God has equipped us to be ministers of His grace and mercy. God Bless!
Brook
This brings tears to my eyes. I know several families that are feeling deep hurt. I feel so helpless, I can’t relate to what they are experiencing. I don’t know what to say to them or how to comfort them. However, I can lift them up to our Heavenly Father who knows the depth of the pain they are in. He can comfort. He can bring healing. I can be the shoulder to cry on and be the one to mingle my tears with theirs. Thank you for this encouraging post Trace. You are a blessing.
This holiday season seems to have a crisis around every corner. It feels like everyone I know – myself included – is struggling in one way or another. Doesn’t seem so much like a coincidence.
What a great reminder.
That has actually been my focus this Christmas season. Helping others is helping me forget myself and deal with my own loss through service. It has completely changed the way I see Christmas!