My birthday was this week. I have to admit it has been nice. I actually let myself enjoy being appreciated and gifted. Last year, I was worrying whether I would even still be functional at this point. Well, I am! What a blessing God has allowed me to continue.
On a down side, I have also had paramedics in my office twice for different people experiencing chest pains. It saddens me to think about how depressing the holidays and the stress is to everyone. I am feeling the stress myself. Then again, I was expecting to be bed ridden and permanently attached to an oxygen tank 24 hours a day at this point. One was a young girl of 17 having chest pains, partly because of her mental illness, the other part because the medication they gave her for her mental illness was causing this side effect. Which came first? Who knows. The paramedics knew her immediately and her birthdate by heart. That is just sad that this is her M.O. to get attention. Then the other was a co-worker who is younger than me dealing with a very physically ill husband and two teenagers and family members who keep dying. No wonder she is having chest pains! I think I would too. Having the holidays and the stress to get gifts for everyone causes such an additonal burden that sometimes I wish it was not even there.
So, here I am feeling all high and mighty. Last year I put up the Christmas tree to make myself feel better. This year I have gifts for most everyone, but I do not need the tree to remind me of the love of those around me and my Heavenly Father. I can actually feel the love. So, the tree has not gone up. I can honestly say this is because I have embraced my mortality and given it to God. Only He knows my time of death and each birthday, holiday and day are just a little sweeter than before.
So, if you feel stressed to get everyone a gift…..Stop it. Offer them time instead. I wanted to give one of my best friends her favorite handcream for the holidays. She said no, she would rather go to lunch with me during the school winter break instead. I can accept that. I know last year when I was feeling down, I really really enjoyed spending lunch or dinner with friends than getting something I may never wear or use. Also, for those of us with dogs, we decided to buy each other’s dogs something instead. Make my dog happy, you inturn make me happy.
I hope this has been some help.