Seeing “Benjamin”
Lately I keep seeing “Benjamin” everywhere it seems. As I walk through stores I notice displays of personalized holiday items. It’s a habit for me to stop and look even if I won’t buy the items because I want to see if they have my name (from experience I know they more than likely do not). As I glance over the displays one name keeps jumping out at me…the little snowman that says “Benjamin,” the light up key chains flashing “Benjamin,” the “Benjamin” on the kids bicycle license plates. Then at night our son’s bedtime story was about Joseph and his brothers and how he wanted to see “Benjamin.”
It was happening so often that finally it clicked. I think God was reminding me to pray. Our friends’ (Benjamin and Sondra) four year old son died in October. I know the holidays will be extremely difficult for them, and they are on our hearts and minds daily. God was using these personalized gifts to remind me to say a prayer for Ben and Sondra.
Do you know anyone who is facing their first (or maybe fourth or twentieth) holiday season without a special loved one? Remember to pray for these people as you go about your holiday routines and traditions. As you gather with family, remember those who have one less neck to hug this year. As you buy gifts, buy something to give to the family members with the person’s name on it (like an ornament) to let them know you have not forgotten their loved one. Maybe you have a little extra money and could even make a donation to a charity in honor of their loved one. As you send out your Christmas cards, remember to send a note to let them know you are praying for them.
We are told in Romans 12:15–
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
We need to be there for those who are suffering during this holiday season. We need to remember it may not be a happy time for them, and we need to be there to lift them up.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. I pray God blesses you this holiday season and shows you His love in new ways.
Great reminder. This is my mother’s first Christmas without her husband. I don’t know what the holidays would have been like for her this year if she did not have some of her family members around her. This year for the first time in many years she has my family with her for Christmas, and at least once a week for dinner as well. She has kept herself busy with baking and preparing for Christmas dinner with the five us. In so doing I believe it has taken some of the “sting” away from missing her beloved husband.
Thank you for reminding us of those who will be “celebrating” this year without their special loved one by their side.
God bless you dear friend.
Wonderful, beautiful devotional. You have a kind heart and it comes through in the words you write. I believe strongly in the providence of God and that He works in our lives to lead and guide us. Thank you for taking the time to write these inspiring words. God bless you and Merry Christmas.
Thank you for this reminder. You might enjoy reading a post on my blog about an ornament a friend made for a mother who lost her 27-year-old son unexpectedly. http://www.mcclureconnections.com/blog/2009/12/23/comfort-and-joy/
It’s been a while since I visited here, but I am so happy to see that you continue to share your heart and your love for God. Merry Christmas!
What a wonderful reminder to keep our friends in our prayers after a great loss. Some great ideas to keep memories of lost ones alive. I think we often forget about them.