For most, Christmas is a time of joy, a time of family, a time of I-Love-Yous and We're-All-Togethers.
But for one family, this Christmas will be a time of grief.
A local family, one very close and dear to my family, just lost their father Sunday evening. His passing was very, very sudden. All of us are in utter shock, unable to comprehend how this man of only 45 years can be gone, snatched from us so quickly.
His two sons are in their early teen years. They are wonderful young men, fun to be around, intelligent, entertaining...and now, grieving the loss of a father.
I'm not asking for you to pour out half-hearted words of greeting-card sympathy.
What I am asking is that you hold your own loved ones--whether it be your own father, your husband, your siblings, mother, grandparents, or cousins--a little tighter, a little longer, a little closer. Curb your tongue. Speak sweet words. Tell them you love them. Call them. Write them. Love them.
You never know what goodbye might be your last.
Prayers for the family are greatly appreciated as we help them through this unfathomably difficult time.
Take the time to love your family today. Now. While you have them.
4 comments:
Oh Keaghan, my heart goes out to you and the family you know - it's difficult to loose people suddenly. In the past month I have lost 4 relatives, one unexpectedly one to cancer - two months sooner than expected, my great-aunt Shirley went home after extended years of illness and then then great-aunt Olive from age and illness. It's been stunning and shocking and sometimes difficult knowing that some relatives though we tried to share the gospel with them never accepted it. Only one that I know of couldn't wait to be with her beloved Jesus - but the sudden ones made little to no preparation for death, it's painful.
This precious family will be in my prayers, in this difficult season.
Thanks for sharing Keaghan.
@ Jessica: Thank you for your prayers, they are greatly appreciated. I, too, have lost a great-aunt to cancer, and her death was unexpected. My grandmother lost her battle with cancer last year, going Home to be with her Lord. We know where this father is now, but even that cannot erase the pain.
It certainly cannot take away the pain - that will echo on forever. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts in this post it is a very good reminder.
Jessica
I will keep him and his family in my prayers. We were able to attend the funeral and give our condolences to the family. May God be with him and his family.
Honorably and Respectfully,
Paul.
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