In all transparency, I really struggle this time of year. I want to make my kids Christmas special; I want to stay on budget, I want to get the best deals, and I want to focus on creating memories over giving physical gifts. Yet, at the end of the day, I am often left feeling exhausted and unfulfilled. And then there’s the anticipation, maybe even worry, about receiving gifts.

Frustrated, stressed, and frankly, not wanting to deal with the problem at hand, I grabbed the bag of chips and started munching away in hopes to feel better about the difficult situation that had just arose.

I was having bad dreams...

If you’ve ever dealt with grief, you’re likely familiar with the phrase “it comes in waves.” One moment you’re smiling as a memory crosses your mind, and in the next moment tears flow uncontrollably when “that” song plays on the radio.

“Pandemic” was a word I rarely considered until three years ago when Covid swept across our planet and struck fear in human hearts from coast to coast. Many of us have similar stories - travel stopped, businesses closed, lives were lost, and others completely turned upside down.

“The keenest revelation of a society’s soul is found in how it cares for its children.” – Nelson Mandela

There are few things in life that I wish for more than a bright future for my children. Yes, I want them to be successful in whatever career or ministry God calls them to. Of course, I want them to experience the joy that comes from raising a family of their own. Sure, I would even love to leave them a nice inheritance, have their college aspirations fully funded, and keep them from experiencing many of the learning pains I had as a young adult.