The Holiday Season is a season to celebrate many very good things. Some people will probably not be able to get together due to economic restraints and other good reasons.
In my case, my two boys live out of town, and I will get to visit one in Gainesville, Fl. where he attends university. My oldest lives in Houston, Tx. and he is planning on visiting friends this year. Since my divorce in 2003, Christmas Season was always shared with the kids. My ex used to live just a couple of blocks away from me. Now that she has moved to California, the family has once again been split apart. None of the kids can afford tickets from Florida or Texas to California this part of the year to see their mother.
This is the reality of life. When families split, sacrifices have to be made. I don't recall a single Christmas in 30 years that I have not had the entire family with me for the Holidays. It saddens me to accept that this year will not be the same.
I know that there are many families in the U.S. who are going through very difficult times from the recession, job unemployment, and illnesses, but what has carried me through all of my life is prayers of gratitude.
For some good reason, when nothing is going right, I pray more every day. Not out of desperation, but instead to thank God for having given me my life, my challenges, and my share of disappointments. I today enjoy excellent health, my daughter keeps me company while she goes to university and works part-time. My youngest is in university but out of town, and my oldest is doing fine in his career.
Perhaps this Season of Joy, if you and I should pray in gratitude for whatever blessings we have today, and ask for a better year to come, God in his mercy and kindness will grant our wishes.
I hope that this Holiday Season brings plenty of happiness and blessings to you and your family.
I will say a special prayer to those that have followed this Blog, not knowing your situation, but understanding that perhaps a blessing of joy through prayer is what you need today to make your life just a little bit happier.
God bless you, and I wish you and your loved ones, a Very Happy Holiday Season.
Tony McCleary
tonymccleary@gmail.com
http://www.prayer-be-strong.blogspot.com/
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