The 4th of July weekend begins! All around us we are bombarded with pictures of perfect family BBQs, extravagant decor and fun community events. I was blessed to grow up in a quintessential small town that had the best Independence Day celebration ever. The local Lions Club in Jackson, CA really knew how to put on a party, and it continues today. Virtually the entire town would gather at the local high school football field for great BBQ, lots of kid games (watermelon eating contest, 3 legged race, sack races and more). Then later everyone would spread out their blankets and we would settle in for the best fireworks show ever. I now live in another small town that also has fantastic holiday celebrations, just like many other places all around America.
Often, like during the Christmas holiday season, I am reminded as I look at all of the picture perfect ads and posts on social media that for many these holidays are anything but "happy". Not everyone has pleasant family gatherings. Sometimes our wonderful childhood experiences and memories get shoved aside in adulthood as heartache and dysfunction take over. To observe all around us what seems like everyone else celebrating the holiday in grand style makes the grieving one's circumstances seem even more isolating. Whether the grief is for actual loved ones that are no longer with us, or grief over times and memories that seem gone forever - never to be recreated, the sadness is real and deep.
For those that are having those 'picture perfect' family and friend get-togethers, my prayer is that a moment is taken to pause and think about/pray for those who are not. Realize that holidays, while for many are happy joyous times, for just as many they are a time of depression, sadness and darkness. Be a little kinder, show some compassion and never forget that things can change in any family in an instant.
No comments:
Post a Comment