To You Who Feels Lonely and "Bored" This Year...

Normally Christmas time is my favorite time of year. I like the music and all the holiday cheer, wrapping gifts and making goodies. But this year something is different. I have had an amazing year but something is just down. I haven't lost a close relative or had anything bad happen to me. I just feel overwhelmed by life and its a mind battle everyday to think positive thoughts and want to socialize. And if that is you this Christmas season, maybe this post will bring you some encouragement too.

Dreary days (literally it has been raining for three days straight here in south GA), sometimes the fog and rain is in your mind. Maybe the weather isn't what's wrong or maybe you feel like you cannot tell anyone what's wrong. Maybe you just don't know how because you don't know what is wrong either, because I identify with all three of those. So, just know you're not alone and you're not wrong for not knowing.

I came to give you a little encouragement. And this is a note to myself as well and something I have to keep reminding myself. You cannot do it alone. I cannot do it alone. Whatever is giving you anxiety or making you feel like you are depressed, give it to God. I know it is harder than it sounds, but give it to Jesus. He loves you, and that is why He died on the cross. He was born in a manger, the lowest of lows, so that he could be "relatable." Isn't that so gracious of him? He died so we could have freedom and that we can have it abundantly. Isn't that so amazing? That means that we are not just set free from one thing and we will never have trouble again, this means that if we realize who set us free will set us free from anything we ask and believe in. God is just so good, and this is why we are celebrating this Christmas (and every Christmas). Because God loved us so much to send his ONLY son, and in a manger as a baby (reference to John 3:16).

So maybe you're not feeling it this Christmas or ever, but I am sure that Mary wasn't feeling it either. I am sure that she wasn't just looking forward to pushing a baby out surrounded by a bunch of cows and donkeys. I am sure she didn't want to labor on straw or travel many miles on the back of a donkey. Jesus didn't have to come like a baby, he didn't HAVE to come at all. But he chose to! He chose to come and save us all because HE loves US! That's such an amazing love that we do not deserve. Thank you Jesus for coming and saving us, and thank you God for sending your son to die on the cross (I know God probably didn't feel like it either).

So wherever you are at, I'm sitting on my floor, just know that because of the first Christmas, you don't have to stay in this mindset. Because of that little baby, you can be set free from whatever you're going through. Since Mary, even though she didn't feel like it, decided to be obedient and give birth the the Son of God, we get to know that we are loved and that simple obedience changes the world. So whatever your plans are this season, go into them thankful. Maybe you won't feel like it or want to see those people but take privilege in getting a chance to share this amazing story.

It's because of Him that we get to do this, and for that I am so thankful.

I started writing this post mad, mad at my family, the world, myself. I started writing this confused, I had no clue what was wrong with me and why I am constantly feeling this way. But now, after God reminding me why we celebrate, I am no longer ready for Christmas to be over because it is such a beautiful holiday for such a beautiful Savior.

I pray you guys all have a very Merry Christmas and feel encouraged for Christmas and everyday life.