I’m writing these words on winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Tonight at my in-law’s house in North Carolina, the sun is predicted to set at 5:06 and remain mostly hidden until 7:24 AM when the refracting glimmers of fresh daylight will slowly disturb the darkness and usher in a new season of light-chasing.
Oh Sarah, my soul needed these words. Last night, my aunt left the Christmas get-together at her sister’s house, went home, and collapsed. She died of a massive heart attack. Our family is heartbroken, and I’m left trying to put together a holiday for my 3 year old who doesn’t understand why everyone is so sad. We all need the permission to grieve and rejoice, to know that Jesus is here, even in our heartbreak.
Beautiful! Our joy and our grief are indeed intertwined. Loved what you said about the necessity of darkness!
Oh Sarah, my soul needed these words. Last night, my aunt left the Christmas get-together at her sister’s house, went home, and collapsed. She died of a massive heart attack. Our family is heartbroken, and I’m left trying to put together a holiday for my 3 year old who doesn’t understand why everyone is so sad. We all need the permission to grieve and rejoice, to know that Jesus is here, even in our heartbreak.