By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Although it’s 5:30 in the morning and still dark outside, the Christmas lights in the living room provide a warm glow. Everyone in the house is still asleep. I treasure these moments alone with God, moments of solitude, reflection, and reading my Bible.
Because I have so much to be thankful for I spend a good amount of time journaling prayers of gratitude. It helps me stay focused when I write them out. Otherwise, my mind tends to wander.
One of the many things I’m thankful for this morning is my parents. They’ve been staying with us all week. Like many others in their life-stage, my parents have migrated south to a warmer climate. Cincinnati gets quite cold in the winter causing aging bones to ache.
It’s been wonderful to have my mom and dad “home” for the holidays, and I’ve treasured our time together: reminiscing over a hot cup of coffee in the morning, doing the usual holiday traditions, and visiting with family and friends they haven’t seen in a while. We even took a trip down memory lane to the neighborhood where I grew up.
Last night, we visited a local landmark in Williamstown, Kentucky called the Ark Encounter. It’s a life sized replica of Noah’s Ark. During this time of year, it’s even more spectacular than usual; all the lights make it a Christmas wonderland. Thought you might enjoy a couple of pics!
I’ve become quite nostalgic over the past several days, soaking up every moment with my parents, savoring our time together because I know it is fleeting.
Last year (at this same exact time) we were saying goodbye to my mother-in-law. She was in her final days of battling cancer. I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since Beverly went home to be with Jesus. Our hearts still ache over the loss.
The holidays have a way of bringing buried heartache to the surface all over again. Perhaps you can relate.
As I contemplated the loss of Gerry’s mom and the angst I feel about losing my own parents one day, the Lord spoke to my heart and lifted me out of my melancholy blues. He whispered to my spirit, Rae Lynn, you get to enjoy your parents being home for the holidays now, but one day, I will get to enjoy having your parents home for the holidays with Me, just like Beverly is with Me. One day, you will all be home with Me for the holidays… in your eternal home in heaven.
It’s really helped me through the grieving process this holiday season. Jesus is the reason for the season. What better way to celebrate Christmas than to do so with Jesus in-person.
Our loved ones who have gone on to heaven have never been more “home for the holidays” than they are right now. They are home, and one day, you and I will be home too.
Until then, may we treasure each moment here while we look forward to eternity there.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice” (1 Chronicles 16:10).
