A Messy Christmas

This is the only picture we took together over Christmas— just a messy selfie in pj’s. But we did it. We somehow made it through this year. Together. As a family.

We are tired—body, soul, and spirit. We cried so many tears in these 365 days, pushed far beyond our capacities. Hanging on by a thread became the new normal months ago.

And we realize we’re the blessed ones. The ones who did nothing to deserve our health, the survival of our loved ones, the keeping of a roof over our head and food on the table. I cannot imagine the trauma millions across the world are dealing with who faced a far more painful version of this year. (Grieving with you all. Holding you close.)

There is no peppy advice to give. There are no quick fixes as we approach 2021. There is only prayer. Vulnerable prayers to our ever-present Father. Our God who, in a year marked by sickness, inequity, division, and stress, remained the God of restoration, justice, unity, and peace. He didn’t change even when everything else did.

So we fall at His feet in exhaustion and humility as 2020 comes to a close.

From Liturgies for Parents by Kayla Craig:

“O God of past and present, of new horizons blazing and old fears fading, we come to You looking toward a new year. Help us lead with love for God, neighbor, and self. Help us enter times of lament and grief, and help us dip our feet in deep pools of joy, too.

O God of boundless time, of fresh starts and wounded healing, guide our steps into what is to come. Whisper rest into dry bones and breathe life into dreams old and new. Bring us together, O God. Give us space to give thanks. And when we have rested, and when we have grieved, may we dance in the hopes of tomorrow.”

Let it be so.