Another year is coming to a close. As I sit enjoying the quiet and my morning coffee, I find myself reflecting on the year (and years) that have passed. Sometimes, it feels as though each year is more challenging then the last. Maybe it is. Maybe as we reach a certain age, things just get harder because we feel more - physically and emotionally? I am not really sure.
This year, being the "sandwich generation" has truly been felt in our home. Our kids are older, nearly out of the nest, but they still need us. We still work at trying to prioritize time together, even when we are miles apart. Our parents are also older and we are blessed that we can help and support them now as they have helped and supported us for so many years. We have been busy helping them with things big and small, from home projects to running errands or just spending some time with them.
This isn't easy. We often feel like we are "burning the candle at both ends" as my parents would say. Sometimes, things that are important get put on hold, things like self care, time as a couple, home improvements. Some days we are so sore and exhausted that we fall asleep on the couch right after dinner. Sometimes, we are so overwhelmed and emotional that we snap at or push away those closest to us.
Patience, understanding, forgiveness, encouragement and faith (in God and in one another) have gotten us through this past year and will get us through the next one(s) too. As I look back at 2023 and forward to 2024, I know that there will always be things we can't control. There will always be struggles - physical, financial, relationship or emotional. However, in the struggle there is always a way to cope or overcome. Finding joy and gratitude in life's darkest times isn't easy. Sometimes it's something small like being grateful for the morning's quiet and some time for reflection. Sometimes it requires me to stop and reframe my perspective and REALLY search for the joy in my heart and my circumstances. Sometimes it requires me to forgive myself and those around me. I can't do any of that with out my faith. I lean into my faith and trust that there is someone there helping guide me through life's storms.
My prayer for you and for everyone out there whether they read this or not, is that as you face life's struggles, may you find those things that will help you through. May you find patience, strength, forgiveness, encouragement, understanding, hope, and joy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
