December 21, 2024

It’s winter solstice today- the longest night of the year. I’m still in Florida, where it doesn’t feel much like winter at all (for which I am profoundly grateful!)

As I have every year since 2015, I think about Debbie a lot, especially today. December always brings her to mind, and this time of year is heavy with memories.

Plus, Christmas is just a few days away now. It’s supposed to be a season of hope and renewal, but sometimes it just feels hard. There’s a lot of pressure to be festive, which is hard when you’re carrying grief. 

But winter solstice reminds me that even the longest night doesn’t last forever. After today, the days start getting longer. The light comes back, even if we can’t see the difference right away.

I encourage you to do what I’m doing- holding on to the promise of light returning and the possibility of renewal. The hope that the new year might bring some clarity, some forward movement, and some peace.

It’s a choice, holding onto hope when things feel dark. But it’s a choice worth making.

What About You?

How do you navigate the dark seasons in your life? What helps you hold onto hope when the light feels far away? Who are the people who brought light into your world, even if they’re no longer physically present?