The most wonderful time of the year

And, for some, the loneliest.

“Are you lonesome tonight”  Elvis

Are you lonesome tonight,

Do you miss me tonight,

Are you sorry we drifted apart?

"It is not good that man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18).

I have been hearing from various friends and family about how the holiday season is so hard, the scrabble for gifts, the worry about bills, the wanting to be with family and not being able to. 

And it is so easy to get caught up in the rush, hustle and bustle of the time, that we get overwhelmed and lose track, burned out and discouraged.

It’s hard – to remember the reason for the season, to realize that we are not really alone.  I got an email, once upon a time right after my dad died that knocked me off my feet:

Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and was rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job)! is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love.  It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear.  Open our hearts not just to those who are close to us, but to all humanity.  Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

Everyone is dealing with something, and while surrounded by so much rushing, and happiness and busyness, there are empty nesters, and those mourning, and those seeking.  Blaine Larson sings a song where there is one line that struck me hard:  How do you get that lonely and nobody knows?

No cheerleading this time, but a simple and heartfelt request – reach out to someone who looks lost.  Offer hugs to those you might not think of offering to any other time of the year.  Say hello to someone.  Give.  It need not be money or food, but a smile, a thought, time.  You never know, it could change or save someone’s life.