Take the time.

Yesterday was December 21 -- it's the longest night of the year. As I have done regularly in recent years, I attended a Blue Christmas service last night. Blue Christmas is a time to acknowledge the hard of the season -- missing those who have died, broken dreams, hurt relationships. Many people struggle in silence while observing the joys shared by so many of happy holidays and warm gatherings. We lit blue candles in memory and honor and in shared compassion for those we know who are struggling. I honored friends lost through death and close family members that I miss dearly. We shared personal stories and stories of those we love who are struggling with health scares, tragic circumstances, and life's hardships. It felt rewarding to share memories and vulnerabilities and hear the stories others shared. We encouraged each other and had shared moments of silence. We shed tears and laughed a bit as well. As I reflect on the lessons of Blue Christmas moving forward with the holiday season:

🕯 I will be sensitive to those who are hurting. I will strive to see who is noticeably quiet or absent and reach out with compassion and kindness.

🕯 I will acknowledge that feelings are often conflicted. It's common to experience loss in the midst of joy. It's okay to mourn people, circumstances or acknowledge regrets and it's okay to have happy moments too.

🕯 I have hope. Christmas celebrates the Hope that came into the world and is a time to reflect and renew my passion to live each day with purpose. I will look for ways to share this hope with others.

If you need to mourn, reflect, or acknowledge the difficulty the season can bring, take the time. Give grace and space to others who may be struggling too. In short, it's okay if your red and green gets mixed in with a little blue.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP

#Christmas #communitydevelopmentprofessionals #BlueChristmas #Merry #holidays #holidayseason