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Dennis Donovan

(27,377 posts)
Tue Dec 24, 2024, 11:41 AM 20 hrs ago

John Pavlovitz: If You're Struggling This Christmas

John Pavlovitz - If You're Struggling This Christmas

John Pavlovitz
Dec 24, 2024



This message isn’t for everyone.

This message is for you, the person whose heart is heavy today, the one for whom this season is not merry and bright, the one who doesn't feel at all like singing.

It’s for you who face subtraction; who feel the combined attrition of the all losses you've accrued this year; the people who've passed away, the ones who left voluntarily, those you've had to push away to protect yourself.

It’s for you who've seen the end of something you loved; the dream that dissolved despite how much you gave up to make it real; all the things that you wish to be true right now and should be true but are not.

It’s for those who've watched their best attempts to save their marriages and relationships not be enough, who are finding themselves no longer half of the whole they once felt securely part of; those who have a different set of chairs around the table—far too many of them empty.

This message is for you who are grieving; those sitting vigil in hospital rooms praying for good news; those who just got test results back and have heard the worst; those who are spending this day planning a memorial service instead of a holiday celebration.

/snip
7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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John Pavlovitz: If You're Struggling This Christmas (Original Post) Dennis Donovan 20 hrs ago OP
For me, some but not all Marthe48 20 hrs ago #1
Does that ever hit the spot. Mike 03 20 hrs ago #2
For me, too. Worst year of my life. cyclonefence 20 hrs ago #3
Thanks for sharing this Danmel 18 hrs ago #4
I needed this today cally 13 hrs ago #5
John Pavlovitz is a wise and kind man Hekate 8 hrs ago #6
From one who is not struggling to those who are DFW 8 hrs ago #7

Marthe48

(19,321 posts)
1. For me, some but not all
Tue Dec 24, 2024, 11:44 AM
20 hrs ago

As I read this laden message, I do feel grateful that the year wasn't worse.

But as always, I'll be glad when we get to January. Maybe January 2029.

Mike 03

(17,360 posts)
2. Does that ever hit the spot.
Tue Dec 24, 2024, 11:58 AM
20 hrs ago

Thanks for posting this. It will be appreciated by a lot of people.

cally

(21,716 posts)
5. I needed this today
Tue Dec 24, 2024, 07:18 PM
13 hrs ago

I am facing a holiday filled with joy but also tremendous grief for an estranged daughter and family who have died. This helped me today.

DFW

(56,889 posts)
7. From one who is not struggling to those who are
Wed Dec 25, 2024, 12:05 AM
8 hrs ago

We do not deserve what we have if we forget those who deserve better than they have.

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