Wednesday, December 23, 2009

My Thoughts Two Days Before Christmas

Two more days until Christmas.  All the preparations; the shopping, the wrapping, the decorating, the planning, and the groceries are complete.  When it's all said and done and we get this close to The Day, there is a slight tendancy to sit back and wonder if it is all worth it and why do we go through all this trouble.  That thought quickly leaves me because the answer for me is, "Yes, it's worth it!"  I love this time of year.  I love the lights, the smells, and for us here in Pennsylvania, we are having a beautiful white Christmas.  I also love family getting together, although I have to say, that can bring with it  some stress and sadness. 
We just got home on Sunday evening from Cincinnati where the other half of our family lives.  Every year my brother and sister in law host a family Christmas weekend at  their beautiful home in Lebanon, Ohio, just outside of Cincinnati.  We arrived on Thursday and then on Friday we always spend the day with My Bob's family and all day Saturday with my family.  It's so great seeing everyone that we probably don't see all year.


 The downside is that we end up seeing and hearing all the troubles and hardships and illnesses of family members that we are insulated from all year being 400 miles away. 
My brothers' 23 year old son has run into some major problems that I won't discuss, but suffice it to say my brother and our whole family are very worried and upset about it.  I have to say, though, that it's all due to very poor choices on his part.  My husband's 22 year old nephew is trying to find his way out of a bad family situation with my husband's brother and family.  My Bob is trying to help his nephew in every way that he can.  And worst of all, my Mother-in-law is very ill with pancreatic cancer and has now been given 3-6 months by the doctors. 
These are all very difficult issues to deal with, and especially at Christmas time when you're wanting to celebrate.  So I've talked to myself about this, and I am trying to put it all in a proper place in my head.   If there is something wrong in my life that I can do something about, then do it.  If there is absolutely nothing I can do about it, then pray about it and leave it up to God.  Easier said than done, but it's the way it is.  I know My Bob can get very down when he dwells on thoughts of his mother, brother and nephew, but he also gets it into perspective and shelves those thoughts where they need to go.   We have chosen to live our lives a certain way and other family members have chosen different paths.  It's tough.
I realize that all this is included in the Christmas spirit.  The spirit of giving to those without, prayer for those suffering, forgiveness for those that have done wrong.  Then keep the joy and happiness that is in me so that I can try to share that with those in need.  I need to keep in mind that at any time in this life, I could be on the needing side instead of the giving side.  I can only then hope that someone with a joyful and giving Christmas spirit would be there for me.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

May your holidays be blessed & beautiful ~ prayers for all are lifted.

Merry Christmas ~
TTFN ~Marydon

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post, Nina. I love that you travel to see your families this time of year. It's something I'm sure they all appreciate. They are all blessed to have you and Bob in their lives, even if it's long distance most of the year.

Merry Christmas!

Rae said...

It is too sad when unhappiness creeps in at Christmas. This has been a tough year for so many people. I have a hard time getting in the Christmas spirit. Other than my daughter and her kids, we don't have any family left to celebrate with. I miss our family get togethers. It just isn't the same without them.

Theresa said...

Oh Nina, I am sorry to hear about your Mother-in-law, I know it hurts your husband's heart:( and yours too. The other troubles in the family also! I will pray for all of them. Please let me know if you need to talk. My heart is big and my shoulders are too:) Peace to you and your family and Merry Christmas. I hope you will be warm and your day will be filled with everything you want on that special day!

so many memories said...

My family is over 1,000 miles away and I see them once a year and sometimes less. I always come away from that visit with a heavy heart because of the things happening in everyone else's life. Sometimes I'm glad I can walk away and sometimes I'd give anything to stay and help except there's really nothing I can do. You and your family are in my prayers.
Merry Christmas!

DJan said...

What a sweet and thoughtful post about your family. And all that travel during this time of year! Glad you are home safe and sound and ready to relax into the Christmas spirit. Sorry to hear about you MIL, but it is a blessing you got to see her now. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas!

Lillian Robinson said...

So sad that you are burdened with worries at this joyous time of year. I will be praying for peace in your heart. God will be there to walk with you through the valley.

Hopefully, the good memories you make this Christmas will far outnumber the bad ones.

Merry Christmas dear friend.

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Nina, I hope your Christmas was a loving and joyous one. I appreciated how heartfelt your post was. I will be lifting those in need up in prayer. May peace and love reign in the new year. Twyla

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