When Justine shared the concept behind her link up Simplify the Season, I was so excited. This is something I wholeheartedly believe in. I started thinking about what I wanted to share- a family recipe? A tradition? A holiday hack? And figured I had plenty of time to decide on the perfect topic. And then life happened.
This season has been anything but simple.
I've been sick the last two weeks.
I've been scrambling to make memories of this Christmas with the girls as it is all so fleeting.
And then the bombshell. There was a death in the family. My father in laws sister, Aunt De passed away leaving her three children (28, 25, 18) and numerous friends and family with a hole in their hearts and lives.
December has been crazy.
So, simple isn't quite the word I would use to describe the season we're in right now. Life is emotionally draining and feeling like an uphill battle. I'm so sick of being tired and oh so tired of being sick (super extra bonus points if you know who sings those lyrics) I'm feeling a bit hollow.
But then I realized in the midst of all the crazy I was still doing okay. Despite my not feeling well, I was still functioning. Despite the Christmas bucket list not going according to plan, we were still making family memories. Despite losing a beautiful, joyful, loving soul, we are comforted in the knowledge that she is now in Heaven with Jesus, without pain and sadness and weary.
And that's what this season is about. Jesus. His entrance into the world, humbling himself before all His creation to show us love. It is His strength I'm running on right now and I couldn't be more thankful or grateful that "unto us a child is born, to us a son is given." Isaiah 9:6
Now that. That is simple.
Oh Whitney, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of your family. Please send my condolences to Brian, too.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry abour your loss sweet friend. Thinking of you all. My goodness that last photo is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one is always hard but especially so this time of year. I'm so impressed with you for focusing on the good things, that's not always easy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post full of truth friend. I am so very sorry for your loss. It is never easy to loose someone this time of the year :(.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss, many prayers for her children and husband.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss! I hope you get a chance to relax a bit soon and enjoy the season.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for you loss. It's never easy to loss a love one but around the holidays makes it so much harder I think.
ReplyDeleteHugs and love friend.
I'm so sorry to hear about your aunt =( aunt in law? Family is family. There is never a good time for a loss, but Christmas is especially hurtful.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your family's loss my friend. Such a beautiful post to sum up the craziness that is life. Wishing you health and comfort as we head into Christmas weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry your December has been challenging. Thank goodness there is comfort in the meaning and reason of this season.
ReplyDeleteSending love and prayers your way.
I'm so sorry for your loss and for the stress. Jesus is the reason for this season and I'm so thankful I can't mess that up.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for the loss in your family Whitney. But thank you for sharing this beautiful post! I think as long as we keep our focus on the Savior we'll be alright in the end.
ReplyDeleteOh sweet friend! Sending you the biggest hugs and prayers right now. I pray that you are feeling better and I pray for the peace that passes all understanding. In the midst of it all it seems that you have your focus on Jesus and that my friend is all you need! Love you and hope that your sweet family has a Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI am so, so sorry for your loss friend. And to leave behind such young children, though adult children, is something I know all too well. My thoughts are with you and your family and them.
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