By Brandon Matthews
Like every Christmas season, my aunt was putting up her Christmas tree, stringing it with lights, and placing all of her sentimental ornaments in just the right places. It was all perfect only needing the star placed on top. She climbed the ladder, reached over to the top, and placed the star. It looked beautiful for a matter of seconds until she fell off the ladder causing herself, the ladder, and the tree to all fall to the floor. Picking herself up off the floor, she removed the tree and never placed another Christmas tree in her home again.
Many of us can relate to this story. We try our best to decorate our lives with what brings joy, happiness, laughter, success, only to have it all fall apart. Instead of picking up the pieces, many of us choose to walk away and stop trying at all. In the middle of what can be a difficult time for many, I want to remind you of a famous holiday saying, ‘Tis the Season… “
For some the holidays are a season to be jolly. For others, it’s a season to endure. Regardless of your view, it’s all just a season, and seasons change. What do we say about the weather in Alabama? If you don’t like the weather right now, wait a few minutes, and it will change. Life is the exact same way.
Some seasons feel like spring. They feel fresh with excitement, new beginnings, and adventure. Some seasons feel more like summer, where you experience a time of hard work, growth, and productivity. Autumn happens in our lives too where you harvest from the labor and work. However, we also experience winter. In this season things die, go dormant, and find closure. For many, this is how the holidays can make us feel. But don’t forget, spring is coming.
So as you navigate this holiday season, remember that it is just a season. If you don’t like the weather right now, wait a few minutes, and it will change. Regardless if you are currently experiencing Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter, there is joy. There is good. Focus on what you have instead of what you don’t. Focus on who is here instead of who is not. So ‘Tis the season. I pray it’s your best one yet.
Brandon Matthews is the For Tomorrow Program Director.