We are all hurting in every way right now. Everything costs so much, just putting gas in the car, if you have one, is painful. You are not alone. We are all feeling this squeeze right now. You did everything you could. You kept the lights on, you paid the rent. You worked your ass off.
This will be a christmas to remember, not because presents were abundant, but because you fought through it, and provided what you could. It's more than enough. If you are alone this Christmas, you are sadly mistaken. You have all of us here. Just speak out, we are family.
It's only a "dark winter" if we make it so.
This is the first year in a long time that I've felt truly happy. My focus has been on Jesus and having that spill over to my immediate family.
A couple of days ago a dark depressed mood came over me. I was able to look at it and think, "That's odd. Where did that come from?" The devil always stirs up mess around Christmas and Easter.
Depression, anger, resentment, jealousy. We need to look it in the eye and pray his influence away. If you're Catholic, exorcized holy water helps.
Funds are tight, I'm not happy with world events, the situation with extended family is less than ideal, my house is a mess, and I hate winter in the northeast. But none of that matters. I am living life where God put me.
I wish you all peace.
Thanks for posting. God bless you.