I've been thinking about all that's happened so far this Christmas season. And the word that came to mind was "whirlwind." When I looked up the definition, this portion struck me: "It can also refer to something that involves many quickly changing events or feelings." This describes everything perfectly and I knew God sent me this word.
I wanted to go through this season differently this year - by focusing on God and the true reason for the season! And it worked for a few days. And then ...
My mother-in-law (Meme to those who are close to her) was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in October. She began chemo treatments (I suspect only for her family) and got 4 treatments done. She went in on Tuesday, Dec 10, for a treatment, couldn't do it because of lab numbers and ended up in the hospital. Her organs started shutting down, we got her home on Hospice on Thursday, Dec 12, and she passed away on Friday, Dec 13. WHIRLWIND!
Yet I found God in the whirlwind. I was at her home on Thursday and when Meme and I were alone, I whispered to her that I would see her again one day, in Heaven. She mumbled and moved and I know that she heard me. I truly believe she is with God right now and that makes me happy! WHIRLWIND!
My father-in-law (Pop to those who are close to him) has been struggling with dementia and Meme was the one who kept him calm. For months, they have slept during the day and stayed up all night. Pop is having a hard time distinguishing day and night so this has been their schedule. Their kids have tried to help out as needed but it's been a mess! WHIRLWIND!
Yet I saw God in the whirlwind. As long as Pop was at home, and with Meme, he was in a better state. They learned to eat when they wanted, sleep when they wanted, and they made it work. They spent 72 years married to each other and they loved each other beyond measure. That makes me happy! WHIRLWIND!
Since Meme has passed, I've developed a cough, a runny nose and lack of energy. I had to keep going as there was decorating to do and Christmas to prepare for (we are having ours on Tuesday, Christmas Eve Day). So I've been taking over the counter medicines to help. I worked at a store on Friday, and then finally crashed on Saturday. I did nothing! WHIRLWIND!
Yet there was God in the whirlwind. I took a Covid test and it was negative. I was able to just relax and sleep on Saturday and it has helped. I've decided that what I have ready for Christmas is enough. And I have decided to just do "casual" at Christmas, no baked ham and all the fixings, just finger foods, appetizers and a taco bar! I'm feeling better just because it has relieved the stress. WHIRLWIND!
And just in case all the events above weren't enough, my niece had her daughter this morning at 28 weeks. She weighs 3 lbs. and obviously, this wasn't expected. But as of now, Mother and Daughter are doing well. WHIRLWIND! Life will continue twisting and turning. But there can always be joy in the sadness.
Here's what I've discovered about focusing on God. It does NOT mean that everything is going to be great! I never in my wildest dreams would have thought that I would lose my sweet Meme this Christmas. I never imagined I'd get sick right before our family celebration. I never dreamed our Christmas would be filled with sorrow and joy at the same time. Yet that is what has happened. Because I was focused on God, I was able to see him in the darkest of times. He was always there in the whirlwind. He reminded me that my feelings can change in a moment, as can events. But I can have hope and joy, knowing that He is with me.
Are you in a whirlwind as Christmas approaches? Are you stressed because everything isn't working out as expected? Nahum 1:3(b) tells us:
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.
God is in the Whirlwind! I remind you to stay focused on God, the true reason for the season. It won't make things "perfect," but you will be able to weather the storm with a joy that comes from deep within!
I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas!
Until next year,
Vickie
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