Packing for the Holidays

Do you ever have those moments when you think something and right away you think to yourself, that's a great analogy. We'll I had one of those moment this week.

I was packing for the extended weekend in Hospers when this occurred to me... Suriving someone, a spouse, a child, a parents, is a lot like packing for a trip. The moment that you lose someone of importance in your life you find yourself immediately "packing" if you will. Less tears, more strength, favorite comfy t-shirt, memory, or blanket, are first on my list. You fret about if I have the right emotions packed and what about my daughter and husband, yep, as the mom I'd better pack for them as well!

Before you know it you find yourself waking up months and even years after the lose with a suitcase waiting for you by your beside. Packed full of the good, the bad, some of yours some that you think your family shouldn't have to carry so you do instead.

And every day you carry that suitcase around like a backpack. Some days begging someone with a look in your eyes to see the load you bear and remove it. Other days you carry it simply because it is your burden and you will carry it even if you do it alone.

And then there is the day where you realize that that backpack has now become less of a companion and more of a hinderance. You can't run to keep up with your children or laugh at the sound of family gathering for the holiday. The backpack restricts your movements, your breathe, your life. But in the beginning it was so precious and you shouldered it with such pride. We will survive this you had told everyone and walked tall even with the 100 pound suitcase on your back.

And then you hear the still small voice speak in your heart... The one that brings back the memories of the poem "Footsteps," and songs like "Amazing Grace." You know before any words are said that that suitcase was never meant for you to carry. You are more than welcome to pack and repack it but it was never meant for your back, your shoulders....

And therein lies the challenge of surviving someone special. There lies the challenge of accepting mercy gracefully, of being proud and humble at the same time. To resolve to lay it down, at the feet of Jesus, and wake up tomorrow lighter than you've allowed yourself to be (even with all the holiday feasts!)