The Strand I Couldn’t Fix
Like fog in the morning, the spirit of Christmas had vanished. Still, I
shuffled in the garage. One by one, I retrieved the bins I’d stored the previous
Christmas. While the aroma of sugar cookies wafted through the air and “Silent
Night” played in the background, I began the decorating.
Placing the nativity scene as the focal point of our family room, I spread the
rest of the decorations around the house: red and green candles, musical boxes
with winter scenes, and bright red poinsettias framed with green garland adorned
with burgundy, velvet bows. They all transformed our home into a lively
winterland.
Next, I retrieved three stockings to fill the marked places above the fireplace;
each embroidered with our sons’ names: Jaso n, Jeff, and Joe. Once Jason and
Jeff’s were hung, with tears burning my eyes, I clutched Joe’s against my chest.
The empty stocking sears my heart. It’s been five years since the Lord called
Joe home. Five years that Joe’s absence left an emptiness we can almost touch.
And five years that God’s grace wiped away portions of the grief that flogged
our hearts. But often, it’s the scorching pain that opens our eyes to a bigger
picture.
Years ago, when our three sons, including Joe, were still young, I focused on
providing a perfect Christmas; a perfect tree to wrap a perfect celebration. As
a result, little things tended to roil in me such as a light strand that refused
to shine because of a burned bulb. Annoyed at the glitch, I promptly set off to
resolve it —I fussed, I rearranged, plugged and unplugged until frustration grew
hot in me.
How foolish and silly. I focused on that one bulb, dismissing the glow of the
star atop the Christmas tree. I’d done the same with light bulbs that burned in
my life—from broken relationships to shattered plans. Exerting tons of energy
trying to fix them, I missed the star; the one that gave significance to my
life.
When that void in our heart aches to be filled, it’s the star of comfort that
makes it whole. When bitter sorrow robs the spirit of Christmas, it’s the star
of His genuine love that whispers joy. When a health diagnosis shakes our world,
it’s the star of reassurance that shines the certainty of new tomorrows. It’s
the same star that never loses the brilliance of hope, incomprehensible hope;
one we can only embrace when all strands of life burn out.
With eyes focused on the star, I hang Joe’s stocking along with his brothers’;
not empty anymore—but filled with sweet memories--his wit and laughter; his hugs
and kisses.
For that reason, God called it His “Morning Star"; to dispel our darkness, dry
our tears and repair strands we cannot fix.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am
the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” (Revelation
22:16)
Janet Eckles Jeckles@cfl.rr.com
Janet Perez Eckles--Faith and Love with a Latin Flair For nuggets of inspiration, visit me at: www.janetperezeckles.com To receive my free monthly newsletter, please send a blank email to: splash_of_inspiration@getresponse.com