I’ve always loved the holidays. It’s a joyful time of year, yet for many people, the holidays can be a struggle. Loneliness amplifies, busyness increases, money seems tight, and insecurities resurface.
Last Christmas, my fiancé and I celebrated our “last” Christmas with our respective families as a gift, since we knew that our upcoming marriage would require us to split the holidays between our families and that we would be starting our own traditions. 2018 started off well as we were engrossed in wedding planning. Easter came, and on that following Friday, I joined my life with that of my husband—an amazing man who, although imperfect, loved me more than I ever knew was possible.
After the whirlwind of our wedding and in the weeks following, my new husband and I were looking forward to some time together as we prepared for our planned two-week honeymoon, which would incorporate an Alaskan cruise and an island condo stay. But we never made it on that trip. Twenty-two days after our wedding and one week before our honeymoon, my husband died unexpectedly and suddenly in a work accident. In an instant, my whole world turned upside down: I was homeless, jobless, widowed. The first two issues resolved themselves within a few months, but the third is a struggle I still carry in my heart each day.
Yet, as I go into this holiday season, I am abounding in gratitude for the blessings that I’ve received during these past months. Despite the devastation in my life this year, God has been my stronghold. Each day, He lifts me up above the trouble surrounding me and draws me close to Him. The Lord knows me so well, and most of all, He is good. Shortly after my husband died, a friend shared with me that as much as my husband loved me (which was a lot), his love is nothing compared to the love that God has for me. Whoa.
If you are struggling this Christmas season, I understand. However, as we immerse ourselves in Advent—this time of waiting, preparation, and anticipation—I encourage you to wait upon the Lord in hopeful expectation. Expect miracles. God is good and He will deliver what He has promised. On those difficult days, lean in to Him. The Lord is a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows each of us who takes refuge in Him.
Reflection by Katie (Beaubien) Franchini ‘10
