We are winding another year down: 6 days till Christmas, 12 days till 2022! With the Big day within our grasp, the pandemic raises it’s ugly head again - snarling, snapping, spreading anxiety and fear.
Tidings of comfort and joy seem far, far away. For some of us, Joy is not the emotion that comes to mind. We have had to let go of so much: freedom, hugs, social interaction without a care, connection and community, big raucous parties and concerts.
We lost dear ones too. My good friend April passed away this summer. In our community we have lost generous and kind hearted people. I’m providing grief and bereavement support to a man who lost his wife of 60 years. 60 YEARS.
In the midst of this I believe comfort and joy can still be found. You may have to look deep and focus. You may find it only lasts for a brief second, but there, in the midst of the darkness the light shines, the comfort comes.
Find comfort and joy in the littlest of things:
Take comfort in a moment: a sip of fresh hot coffee, the gentle sigh of a dog or a cat’s purr.
Take joy in that moment when your child smiles or a baby’s laughter.
There is great joy in giving: give your time, your love, your patience.
On Dec. 22, the earth tilts and the days will begin to get longer. That’s a comforting thought!
In the midst of the aching loss, you can, without guilt, find these small offerings of comfort and joy. This is my wish for you this season and in the coming year.
