Thoughts
When I climbed into bed last night I thought to myself "that was a beautiful Christmas".
Everything went smoothly, we all had a lovely time with lots of laughter, chatter and joy. It was also a special delight to share this Christmas with my son and his gorgeous wife.
We ate far too much food with ham, baked potatoes and salad for lunch followed by a mocha cheesecake (full of calories) and in the evening my DH barbecued the turkey which we had with roasted vegetables baked in lemon, butter and garlic (no room for plum pudding!). There was also plenty of food to hand out to the sons so they could take home and share the leftovers.
We all received wonderful gifts and felt very spoilt. It wasn't necessarily the most expensive gifts that brought the most fun. My youngest son loved his "watermelon" coloured socks and my eldest son and his wife loved the "how to be a perfect husband/wife" books I bought them (written in the 1950s) and quoted lines from them to each other and having lots of fun and giggles!! My husband loved his mini daleks as they brought back fond childhood memories.
Even though the weather was grey (very overcast) and cold (quite a change from the heat we have had all week), it didn't rain and we could still eat lunch outdoors in the garden. My husband had arranged the table beautifully and made sure no one was going to be bitten by mossies!!
My eldest son did buy me that butterfly necklace I shared with you a few weeks ago and I am wearing right now. Its beautiful and will be much loved!
This morning my youngest son came home looking very upset and fragile. Whilst I thought Christmas Day had gone so well, things hadn't turned out as good for him. He was visiting his girlfriend yesterday evening when she was alerted by her mother to a comment on Facebook written by a friend of their family. Concerned for the young man in question they drove to his home at around 11pm to find him overdosed on the floor and hardly conscious. He had attempted suicide. Thanks to fast thinking and deciding to check on him, he survived. I think there is a message for everyone in this - we do need to check on friends and family to make sure they are ok.
To matters worse, my son dropped his phone and shattered the glass (which he has now had fixed) and sadly one of his favourite fish died this morning. Like all mothers, my heart was weeping for him. No 20 year old should have to witness what he did last night and I wish I could have shielded him from that, but one cannot wrap their children in cotton wool all their lives. And whilst what he saw was horrible, he did save a young man life.
It brought home to me, that whilst I and my family had a wonderful and happy Christmas, there are many who are suffering from mental illness (or just loneliness) who find life very difficult to cope with and see no reason to keep living. In a world that is so wrapped up in "self", we have forgotten how to reach out to those in need. We all need to do this more.
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13
Tragic. Thank God they went to check. Life is a roller coaster.
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely :)
DeleteHe is feeling much better now and more up-beat.
Hi Joluise,
ReplyDeleteHow sad Christmas Day ended the way it did for your son. His friend is blessed to have a friend like him.
God Bless
Barb from Australia
He seems more upbeat now and not feeling quite so sad. Unfortunately modern young adults witness things that we never did - he is aware of friends who have attempted suicide over the last couple of years. He has also gone to funerals of young men killed in car crashes from speed and alcohol. Sadly our young witness far more than they ever should.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about the young man who almost expired due to a drug overdose. I certainly hope that he recovers soon.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful that you made a post like this. As you know, I have been ill for the past several months. As a result, this "holiday season" was more or less "just like any other day," coupled with dealing with my regular onslaught of stomach issues. When one who is ill sees everyone else "happy and smiling," during the holidays, you tend to feel isolated and alone.
Thank you for giving us this reminder. It's one we all need to be aware of and remember.
I am sad to hear that you haven't been in good health - we often forget about those suffering as we get so wrapped up in our own lives. Sending hugs in your direction and a sunny smile and pray that you are recovering :)))
DeleteGlad to hear you had a lovely family day. :) Days spent happily with family are always the best, no matter what the occasion is (in my opinion)! :)
ReplyDeleteHow tragic that people who are lonely (or whatever else might be the reason) feel so badly about it that they choose to try to take their own life over it. If only they knew the LORD and could take comfort in Him. Otherwise suicide seems like a double tragedy - firstly taking their own life, and secondly where that lands them. :(
Suicide is such a complex issue but i can't imagine ever being in such a dark place that I wanted to end my life, but many people are and they need help (not that it will stop all).
DeleteI am learning that even Christians can struggle with their faith when they are not mentally cognitive (if that is the right phrase) - their doubts and fears seem to rise up and take over ever though they know it isn't right and that the Lord is with them at this dark depressing time.
And yes, days spent with family are precious memories that are always good!
Oh, I know Christians can struggle with mental issues and even suicidal tendencies... However I think when it comes to that, even though it is still a tragedy, at least if they do end up killing themselves, they do go to be with Christ... If that makes sense, it tends to *almost* lessen the tragedy of it in some ways...?
DeleteYes, agree - the Lord is waiting for them with open arms and will take away their pain and suffering.
DeleteYes, a good reminder to be concerned for other people All the time.
ReplyDelete[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Phil 2:3-4
It helps with our own loneliness and for me, at least, keeps me from self-pity. Thank you for the reminder. I needed it!
Love hearing from you (hug) - I get lonely sometimes (I don't have many Christian friends and that makes me sad), but I find a gentle walk through my garden can do the trick - Gods glory is all around, his beauty in the rose or a beautiful sunset. He is always with us even when we are lonely.
DeleteI don't think we reach out as we should and in this day and age, we are far worse at it, shutting ourselves away.
At least though blogging we can support each other:))