Yule Never Walk AloneSample

Silent Night

Our daughter doesn’t fare too well during the winter season as she picks up every bug that’s doing the rounds. Having Down Syndrome means she has narrow tubes so colds and coughs tend to be a bit worse and can take her longer to shake off. She has currently got a chest infection, and last weekend was like one long exhausting day as she literally didn’t sleep for more than an hour at a time. She sounded like a mixture of Darth Vader and Frank Butcher (what a combo!) with her heavy chesty breathing and awful cough.

I really struggle during these sleepless situations, I often feel so overwhelmed and I get very negative. I start to worry about all of the “what ifs” – what if this goes on for another week, what if the meds don’t clear it, what if I can’t get to work, what if we never ever sleep again?

I recently received a lovely card – on the front it said “one day at a time”. During this snot filled season I’m trying to really hold onto this advice.

Today is the gift that we have – snot or not!

I’m trying to intentionally look for the little blessings even during these difficult, bug-filled, sleep-deprived days. I’m thankful for the gift of my parents who came to stay and looked after our girl for two days. I'm loved and supported and I'm grateful for that. I’m thankful for the gift of the doctor we saw who was so lovely with my girl. She kept saying “hello doctor” throughout our appointment (we had practised beforehand and she really delivered!). Before we left he picked up her jacket and put it on for her – that was not his job but he showed care and kindness in that small act, and that was a real gift to me. I’m thankful for a hot cup of Yorkshire tea (best tea bag – no arguments!) and for friends who pray for us. There are many precious little gifts within each day – if we actively look for them we will spot them.

So we may not be having many silent nights at the moment, but I’m doing my best to take it “one day at a time” and to express gratitude for the little gifts within each day.

Reflection

Make a list of every mini gift you have experienced today and thank God for each of them.