Before the darkest day of my life, I thought the title of today\u2019s blog was just a schmaltzy holiday tune. After experiencing profound and tragic loss, it became more of a realistic sentiment. A rural church in my area annually hosts a Blue Christmas service where grieving families can come to remember lost loved ones. I have never attended, but I do think the ceremony could bring comfort to many.<\/p>\n
I have written before about my struggle with hanging stockings because I should have seven children\u2019s stockings to hang instead of three. I DREAD that day each year. On my part it involves a lot of stall tactics and general avoidance.<\/p>\n
I am so thankful however that my friends do not utilize those same tactics. Employing aptly timed visits, phone calls, or texts, they seem to sense a gentle nudging from our Father above that I am feeling down. The blessing of their friendship works EVERY single time.<\/p>\n
Every day, I exchange daily prayer requests with a dear one in my life. Today, she told me about a small act that she did over the weekend. Feeling worn and weary from her own life\u2019s struggles, she just needed to do something to bless someone else as a way to pick up her own holiday mood. As she was telling me the story, my mind was racing around the thought that I SO get it when you feel you have used up all your goodness and mercy. When everything seems to be going wrong, the only thing that makes sense is to find a way to reach out and brighten someone else\u2019s day.<\/p>\n
She went to the store and bought a small bag of treats and delivered the gift to a grieving mom. Her retelling the story made me choke up, because I understand how one small act, at a time when everyone else is anticipating Christmas day with great joy, can be transformational. A small kindness reminds me and every other grieving person that our loved one hasn\u2019t been forgotten. A simple token whispers directly to the soul saying a name we long for no one to forget. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n My friend\u2019s story reminded me of all the acts (big and small) that friends (near and far) have done for me and my family. Each kindness changing the hue of a blue Christmas by pointing us to the true author of hope – a\u00a0tiny baby wrapped in swaddling clothes!<\/p>\n
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/kandynolesstevens.files.wordpress.com\/2014\/12\/blue-christmas1.jpg\")
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