WATCHWORD:
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3:17
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Meditation:
Broken – Better – Best
Recently I heard a sad story of a 17-year-old boy who ended his life with a gun, but not until after he had sent notes of goodbye to family and friends. He grew up in a strict environment that expected excellence in everything he did, and good was never good enough. That environment did not include encouragement, instruction, or support, and faith was in short supply. Sad. Not a happy story for Advent.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry tells us that suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults, ages 15-to-24. The majority of children and adolescents who attempt suicide have a significant mental health disorder, usually depression. Depression follows feelings of stress, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, disappointment, loneliness and loss.
This is a wonderful, terrible time of the year. This mental health problem goes far beyond children and adolescents, it’s all of us. Maybe we’re not contemplating ending our lives, maybe is just a mild sense of loneliness, a wondering about our own value. We are our worst critics.
We all know what a powerful message that human contact can you make to another. The phone call, a visit, an invitation to join you, maybe over a meal. Human contact, a smiling face and a “God bless you” delivered by flesh and blood.
Be honest with yourself, as you look around, where you live, are you aware that some people are isolated, by themselves, alone, while so many others are going to family gatherings, or visiting out of town. You know Jesus’ admonition to reach out to others in their need, in their pain, wasn’t just for the disciples back then, it is for the disciples right now, you, reading this. Go to do likewise. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Love others as I have loved you. These are not clichés, these are words of the blessed life.
Never underestimate how your actions can heal a friend from one broken in spirit, to one doing so much better in their life. Maybe even to reach that wonderful plateau of joyfulness, the best of this season.
So, as we prepare to welcome the Christ child, who is our Lord and Savior, let us pray for the strength and commitment to do as He would have us do. Amen? Amen.
Further Observation:
Each of us has had a teen history. We grew up to adulthood, and most of us have watched our own children make the same journey. When did your faith development begin? Was there a “significant other” that touched you at an important point in your life and made a difference? At what age did you accept Christ as your Lord? Did you notice a similar transition in your children?
The young man that ended his life had many good traits but he rarely heard that from his parents. I wonder if he ever knew they were proud of him for something he accomplished during his short lifetime? Did he ever experience encouragement in his times of falling short, that would help him move to better and on to best?
In our times of meditation, times of expressing gratitude for the blessings we have received, include a note to the Lord for bringing you, and members of your family, safe and sound through adolescence into adulthood. Where in that growth and transition was Christ? Ponder the wonder of a Christ-lived life. Amen.
Final Thought:
Note today — December 7. Remember today — December 7, 1941. A blow to democracy that we recovered from. Thank God. Offer prayers for our nation.
Closing Prayer:
God of strength and protection, we turn to you because we need help. We long to be free enough to trust that we can lean on you. But we become afraid. Help us to trust in you, Lord. Your strength and power are a gentle place of protection. Be a safe refuge when we are being trampled by circumstance. We long for your help, your protecting care. Help deliver us from the cold loneliness of dark nights, and bring us into the joy of Your peace. Amen.
