Unexpected Holiday Detours: Navigating with Faith
Nov 23, 2022
Hello my Hope-full friend,
I just received some news that's turning our Thanksgiving plans upside down. My husband tested positive for COVID, so this year's celebration won't be what I expected.
Have you ever experienced a holiday that didn't go as planned? Maybe a loved one fell ill or couldn't make it. Perhaps tensions ran high, or kitchen mishaps occurred.
Holidays can be challenging when our expectations aren't met.
But, let's remember that God's plans often differ from ours.
Resources for Holiday Hope Amidst High Expectations
- Rhonda shares the story of Heidi's 1944 Christmas in Berlin, where she learned that sometimes things don't go as expected. Rhonda Lauritzen: What to Do When Christmas Doesn't Work Out. You can watch it on YouTube here.
- Tip: Share your holiday expectations with loved ones, and if things don't go as planned, talk it out. (Reference: Proverbs 16:3)
- Joan's story reminds us that even in tough times, God can bring us Christmas miracles. Joan Raymond: God, Where is My Christmas Miracle? You can watch it on YouTube here.
- During the early days of COVID, I found a parallel between salmon's journey and our lives during major changes. Sometimes good can come from what seems bad. How to Navigate the Change with Hope.
Whether life remains smooth or takes unexpected turns this Thanksgiving week, remember that God guides us through both good and challenging times.
Romans 8:28 reassures us that "all things work together for good to them that love God." Sometimes, what seems bad can lead to good outcomes.
I recall my college days when I broke my ankle during the winter. It was tough, and I struggled to move around on crutches. But you know what? I ended up getting to know my future husband during that semester. He showed kindness to the girl he affectionately called "Hobbles" (me). So, even when things don't go as planned, they can still lead to wonderful outcomes.
As my Thanksgiving plans take an unexpected turn this year, I'm confident that things will work out, despite the adjustments I'm making.
Hope on and have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Tamara
