Struggling Well With Life

This time of year heightens the reality within our relationships.  It seems to give us permission to be even more expressive in conversations, cards, and gifts.  For the first in my adult life my dad is coming for Christmas and I got a little carried away yesterday shopping for an 88 year old man’s stocking.  It seemed like a very odd role reversal to be wrapping toothpaste, socks and underwear for my dad (TMI), but it was a hoot. Though we live in different states the years have drawn us closer, and I am extra excited, in fact our family is thrilled to have Pop Pop here for Christmas.  Likewise, the holidays reveal what is not right, what is broken. And this week is going to be really hard in the lives of some friends whom we love, for the expectation of joy, warmth, and closeness only reveals a greater hurt and distance. Only God can bring the healing.  I know that.  I have experienced it. Pleading with the Father for a work that only He can do.