It’s the happiest time of the year!
For most folks.
For many, the Christmas season is a painful reminder of how life isn’t. Christmas shopping and cookie baking and light touring are done with an ache of deep loss.
I remember our first Christmas without Dan. I was so desperate for some measure of joy in our family, some indication that our toppled world would be righted again one day. That Christmas, and for the Christmases since, I needed to intentionally turn life inside out and pursue joy.
And so we started Days of Joy. During December and leading up to Christmas, we decided to look for ways to bless others. It wasn’t an everyday thing. With days already brimming full, we could not have handled another self-imposed must-do. But sprinkled throughout the month, as we saw a need or found a way to bless or serve, we did.
Here are some pictures of our Days of Joy from last year. (Cell phone quality pictures taken on the fly last year.)
Making bags for the homeless
Our change jar for Phllipines Super Typhoon victims
Cokes and cookies set out for our trash/recycling collectors
Toys for a local charity and a free Chick-Fil-A sandwich!
When you’re going through difficulty or grief, there is so much energy focused on self. Processing all of the thoughts and emotions is necessary, but I grew to really dislike the self-absorption. I didn’t want to ignore my sadness and I needed to battle the thoughts that overwhelmed me, but I sure was ready to look outside of myself and minister to others.
Getting eyes off self and seeing the needs of others is one of the best ways I know to turn deep pain inside out and work toward healing. It’s an intentional march toward full healing and seeing joy again.
We’ll be doing Days of Joy again this year. It’s become one of my favorite things leading up to Christmas.
How does your family spread joy at Christmas? I know many of you are so creative! It’s so inspiring to hear how about how others are intentionally blessing during the Christmas season.
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Shared with LivingWellSpendingLess, #TellHisStory, Holley Gerth
I felt compelled to pay for the groceries of the firefighter who was in line in front of me at the grocery store the other day. I was blessed WAY more than he was! The lady in line behind me quietly said, “Thank you so much for doing that. I’m the mom of a firefighter and a police officer, and that’s appreciated so much.” What an unexpected surprise that SHE would be blessed, too!
That’s so sweet! I learned from a good friend to stop and thank service men and women for serving. It’s really neat to see their responses.
I know! They are always so humble.
I can’t believe I haven’t seen this sign up opportunity before. I would have followed from day 1. Thank goodness I have you on Facebook and have been moved by many. Blessings!
Cat, I’m learning along with you my friend! xoxo
Thanks for sharing this very personal part of your life. I hope you find joy this year and share it with others and encourage them in Jesus. I am next to you over at Women Living Well.
Thank you Judith. I’ll head over and look!
Wow! What a great idea. I hope you will share with us what you and your family do this year. What a blessings you are to others. Wishing you continued healing!
Thank you Laura! We’re doing a few new things this year, like writing to wounded soldiers spending Christmas at Walter Reed.
Hi Lisa, Its my first time here. I really love your blog. you speak with passion for the ministry. God Bless you and your family.
thanks for sharing this wonderful post.
http://purposefulandmeaningful.blogspot.com/
Thank you for visiting! Have a great Christmas.
Lisa,
Thanks for sharing your ideas and inspiring…I try to do kind things for people as God leads…it may be to bring baked goods…it may be to donate…praying for your family today….for God’s continued comfort and joy for you and your kids.
Thank you Dolly for visiting and thank you for your prayers.