Lyn Cote here and that’s me with my two cats in front of our Christmas tree. A happy image. However, I’m aware that not everyone’s Christmas is always a happy time. Life has its trials. I don’t need to name them all. You know what they are. I remember one Thanksgiving when two days before our family gathering, I had just attended the funeral a beloved college roommate who died much too young from breast cancer. Keeping my smile in place for the sake of family was tough that holiday.
I don’t bring this up to make anyone sad but merely to recognize that bad things happen and often can color our holiday season. One of my worst childhood memories happened just days before Christmas. And I don’t need to ruin your day with the details. So what do we do when bad things happen when everyone around is smiling and singing carols?
Personally my emotional release has always been laughter. A few years ago, a dear friend called. She’d just been released from the hospital after back surgery. She was in excruciating pain and what did we do? We laughed! I said, “Sally, we’re crazy. We always laugh through the pain.” But Proverbs 17:22 reminds us, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
I hope your spirit isn’t dry bones. I know it’s tough to get in the holiday mood when life is playing “Wackamole” with you. But try to smile, hum a carol, read a holiday romance. Only you can really make you feel better. And life gives us both cherries and pits, so try counting your cherries and be thankful. A new year is coming and we always have hope. If you need a lift, I’ve posted a lovely animated holiday card on my Facebook Page, LynCoteAuthor. Drop by and watch it and leave me a holiday greeting. And I’ll wish you an individual Merry Christmas!
–Lyn Cote