It's OK to be OK.

And that means two main things:

1.  Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays can be as joyful as they can be painful.  For those who grieve the death of a loved one, these holidays can be especially difficult.   Sometimes our pain is such that it's all we can feel and if we feel any joy we begin to feel guilty for feeling that joy.  It's OK to be OK.  It's as OK to feel the sadness as it is to feel the joy.   We all feel both, even in the midst of our sadness.  Your life has always been filled with both, and your life will continue to experience both.  So, as you embrace the sadness, know that it's OK to embrace the moments of joy.

2.  The music of these holidays is filled with "Joy" to the World.  Most of us begin to think that we have to feel great and tremendous joy.  But I'm telling you that it's OK to just be OK.   You don't have to be great.  Your sadness will keep you from being great.  And so, it's OK to just be OK.  Sometimes, OK is enough for today.  Don't force yourself into a false joy.   Know that this season is more about HOPE... the hope that God is still in charge, still has a plan, will someday bring that plan into reality, and someday, we'll all experience God's incredible Heaven.  So, it's OK, for now, to just be OK, rather than great.

I pray for all of you especially in this holiday season.  And if it would help you to spend some time talking with me, I'm honored to make that time for and with you (safely in person or even over the phone or internet... Facetime, Skype, Zoom, etc).  

Shalom dear ones.  It's OK to be OK.

 

Peace in our journeys,

Pastor Steve Melde