Just breathe…

        Blue Christmas…Elvis sang of it, the long, dark nights and gray days  sometimes speak to our hearts of it. The joys of the season continue to swirl around us and yet we just can’t get the spirit.
        Its ok. You are not alone. It is more common to be depressed during the holidays than it is to be cheery, but it doesn’t always feel like that if you are the one feeling sad and alone…or maybe not even that low, but certainly not in the mood to sing songs and celebrate every day of the week.
        Keep in mind the circumstances surrounding our Savior’s birth. He was born in a lowly stable among beasts of burden. His parents were traveling to another town to be registered for a census, which means they were going to have to contend with new taxes. The Holy Family was in Bethlehem, not at home surrounded by friends and family who would normally celebrate a new birth. Mary and Joseph were young, poor and powerless and yet called by God to raise this special child…no pressures there!
        For many people, celebrating the holidays is very difficult due to life’s circumstances: loss of loved ones, divorce, loving individuals with mental illness or addictions, financial difficulties. All these things take their toll on the human psyche. Couple all of that with the world around you smiling, laughing and celebrating…it leaves you feeling like there’s something wrong.
        If you are one who struggles with keeping a cheery outlook during the holidays, we want you to know you are not alone and its ok. For you, too, a Savior is born who is Christ the Lord, Emmanuel, God with us. For the week of Christmas, the chapel will be open and available for private prayer and reflection Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop in for some alone time, or, upon special request, someone can pray with you. We understand that sometimes our prayers are presented simply as sighs which are too deep for words. You will be welcomed, loved and accepted just as you are. Your grief will be respected, and if need be, there will be someone willing to listen and help share your burden.
        We offer this time to you as our gift of compassion in a hurting world. Come be comforted by the warmth we have in our hearts for you. Your future will once again know joy, but for now it is enough to just breathe.

Blessings,
Tracy