I love Hallmark Christmas movies with all of their cheesy holiday joy. In every frame of each movie, the creators make sure to include some aspect of holly jolly cheer. While the lights may sparkle on the television screen, I can’t say that real life meets the Hallmark standard. Some holidays, I get lost in the to-do list neglecting to feel the magic of the season. One Christmas, my sweet grandmother, Mimi, was losing her battle to cancer, so we put on smiling faces and loved on her while hiding how much our hearts were breaking. Recently, I’ve had to learn how to celebrate apart from my son who moved to Austin. The life that we live doesn’t exist in a snow globe. We need to stop expecting it to be a perfect picture.
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
— Psalm 34:17
When I am hurting, it’s important for me to remember to cry out to the Lord, like it says in Psalm 34:17. It is so easy for me to focus on my pain rather than asking God to help me through whatever is hurting. In Re:generation, I learned the power of crying out to others. My sisters keep me in check, so my expectations don’t get the better of me. In John 16, Jesus reminds all of us in chapter that in this world we will have troubles. The last part of the verse gets me through the tough days:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33
I am so thankful for that truth!