Finding Joy during the Holidays

Oh my! Already another year coming closer to an end. I know that God sees time differently than I do, but seriously, a year feels like a week. I encourage the ones that I love to try and stay present. When we are young we tend to wish our lives away; “I wish I were older”, or “I wish I could drive a car”, and one of my favorites, “I wish I were married with children.” The anticipation to live life will always be there and yet as we age, we relish the time that God has given us. We also now know the reality and responsibility of some of those wishes. We know loss, we know fatigue, we know fear, we know so much more than we did in those innocent wishing days. 

There is always something bittersweet about holidays: the anticipation, the build-up, and then the execution of menus, meals, and guests. And then, it’s here. And then, it’s gone, over. Dishes to wash, leftovers to hand out and the proverbial, “We only have a month left until Christmas.” I do laugh at people when they talk about it sneaking up on them, as if we don’t celebrate it at the same time every year. 

We can also feel sorrow, discontentment, fear and a myriad of other emotions during the holidays! Some will face their firsts! First Thanksgiving, first Christmas, first New Year without a loved one, whether spouse, child or other. Some will be alone during these holiday seasons. 

We encourage you to find the joy that only Jesus can bring. And to be thankful for the comfort and power that the Holy Spirit is always ready to supply, at just the right moment! Grace is always timely. We do not have tomorrow’s grace today. Each day carries the same access to the grace we need. As you are able, reach out to those around you who may need a friendly face during this season. If you are one of those people, reach out and make your needs known. There are so many in our communities who are willing but they are not aware of your need if you don’t tell them.

Global Mission Awareness (GMA) is a family of families. We love family and are so grateful to have you as part of ours. We are so thankful for you, and as we push toward our End of the Year Giving campaign, we are fully aware of the sacrificial giving you have all been a part of this entire year and pray God’s riches blessing as you consider giving generally or to one of our following global connections. Just know that whether you are able to give or not, we always appreciate your prayers covering us in that way!

Follow along with our giving campaign by subscribing to the newsletter here. You can support the mission and work of GMA by clicking here.

In Christ,

Jennifer Hetland

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