The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

It's so nice to be back at home. It's so nice to sleep in and not feel guilty for missing Dr.Brown's pathology class. It's so nice to have an "extra week" of break (thanks to friends' weddings). It's so nice to have a time to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family. It's so nice to be back in a church that's truly understanding and doesn't try to gloss over the realities of life.
The following was presented as part of a lesson last Sunday night, acknowledging that this time of year isn't necessarily wonderful, especially for those who have lost loved ones, gone through divorce, suffered the estrangement of close relative, lost their health or their job, etc.. Let's try and remember those people, and there are more of them out there than you might think, and show some extra kindess and compassion toward them this holiday season.

I hope you are enjoying the break, and if you're in the mid-TN area the next few weeks, stop by and say hello!

Beatitudes for Those who Comfort
by: Jackie Deems

Blessed are those who do not use tears to measure the true feelings of the bereaved.
Blessed are those who do not always have a quick "comforting" answer.
Blessed are those who do not make judgments on the bereaved's closeness to God by their reaction to the loss of their loved one.
Blessed are those who hear with their hearts and not with their minds.
Blessed are those who allow the bereaved enough time to heal.
Blessed are those who admit their uncomfortableness and put it aside to help the bereaved.
Blessed are those who do not give unwanted advice.
Blessed are those who continue to call, visit and reach out when the crowd has dwindled and the wounded are left standing alone.
Blessed are those who know the worth of each person as a unique individual and do not pretend that they can be replaced or forgotten.
Blessed are those who realize the fragility of bereavement and handle it with an understanding shoulder and a loving heart.