It’s a Different Kind of Christmas

I was asked several months ago to contribute to this Teacups Blog. As usual, life got in the way. But as Christmas approaches, I really wanted to share what the Lord has impressed upon me, and what has been on my heart and mind as we enter into the holiday season. So here goes… 

On Sept 22, 2012, a huge part of my heart left this world for a place that I long to go one day. That would be Heaven. After many, many months of treatment and countless hospital stays, my mom, Ruth, went to be with Jesus. It was the end of her 8-year battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  

This left me totally lost and completely heart broken. My friend, the one who I depended on for answers to all the everyday stuff that a mother of 4 boys and 7 grandchildren would face, was gone. I found myself lost and in a place that I never thought I would be. After many sleepless nights and unending tears, I needed medication just to get through the day and to be able to sleep at night. Most people would not have even known the state I was in because I was really good at hiding it. But nonetheless, I found my own personal health failing and in the end needing medical attention for myself. 

Through it all, I have had to totally depend on the One that I know and love, Jesus. I know that He is the only one who has gotten me to this point, able to somehow go on with my life. But this time of year is still hard. I know that I am not the only one who is feeling lonely at this time of year. Many of us have memories of lost loved ones that have gone on before us. But I do know that the Lord will make a way for us to endure the losses we have all sustained. 

With much prayer and seeking His face, He has turned my mourning into joy (John 16:20), and I will be facing Christmas this year with a new outlook. I have realized that my Mom left many precious memories and traditions for our family, and it has become my job and my privilege to honor her by carrying on the wonderful legacy that she left for us. What a blessing!  

I came across this song on Facebook the other day and it really sums it all up for me. This year it’s a “Different Kind of Christmas” by Mark Shultz.

Merry Christmas,

Gail Smith