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Dennis Donovan

(31,059 posts)
Tue Dec 24, 2024, 12:41 PM Dec 2024

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
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John Pavlovitz: If You're Struggling This Christmas (Original Post) Dennis Donovan Dec 2024 OP
For me, some but not all Marthe48 Dec 2024 #1
Does that ever hit the spot. Mike 03 Dec 2024 #2
For me, too. Worst year of my life. cyclonefence Dec 2024 #3
Thanks for sharing this Danmel Dec 2024 #4
I needed this today cally Dec 2024 #5
John Pavlovitz is a wise and kind man Hekate Dec 2024 #6
From one who is not struggling to those who are DFW Dec 2024 #7

Marthe48

(23,434 posts)
1. For me, some but not all
Tue Dec 24, 2024, 12:44 PM
Dec 2024

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

(18,690 posts)
2. Does that ever hit the spot.
Tue Dec 24, 2024, 12:58 PM
Dec 2024

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

cally

(21,876 posts)
5. I needed this today
Tue Dec 24, 2024, 08:18 PM
Dec 2024

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

(60,429 posts)
7. From one who is not struggling to those who are
Wed Dec 25, 2024, 01:05 AM
Dec 2024

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

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