Parenting a Prodigal During the Holidays Sýnishorn

Day 1: Acknowledging Your Grief

As a parent of a prodigal, the holiday season, often a time of joy and celebration, can instead bring a profound sense of loss and longing. This time of year can sharpen the absence of your child, turning what should be a season of warmth into a period of deep emotional challenge that isn’t often talked about. As a Licensed Psychologist who has been working with individuals and couples for over thirty years, I have seen this unique pain countless times. The Bible recognizes the depth of such pain, exemplified in the parable of The Prodigal Son. Like the father in the story, your waiting and hoping are testaments to the love you have for your child and your faith in Christ.

Today's devotion is an invitation to allow yourself the space to grieve. Grief isn’t a subject talked about too often in a church setting. Professionally, I have helped many couples and individuals walk through the stages of grief in their lives. Grief is a natural and necessary response to the challenges you face in your life. It is a process of acknowledging the pain of your current reality, which in turn, can allow for healing and peace. God, in His Infinite Wisdom and Compassion, is close to the brokenhearted. He understands your pain, and He walks with you in this journey, offering His Comfort and Strength.

In these moments of grief, it is crucial to remember that your feelings are valid and shared by many others in similar situations. You are not alone in your experience. The Community of Faith, both past and present, includes countless parents who have wrestled with the pain of a child's absence or waywardness. Their stories, like yours, reflect a long tradition of turning to God in times of distress.

Acknowledging your grief is not about ignoring the pain or pretending that everything is fine when it's not. Instead, it's about finding a way to coexist with your grief, allowing it to be part of your holiday experience without overwhelming it.

Recognizing the role that your grief has in your journey is about understanding that joy and sorrow can coexist, that in the midst of pain, there can still be moments of peace and gratitude. This duality might feel unnatural, but it is true. As you move through this holiday season, it's vital to give yourself permission to experience the full spectrum of your emotions. Whether it's sadness, anger, or confusion, each feeling has its place in the grieving process. This isn't about dwelling in despair, but rather acknowledging the reality of your pain. In doing so, you open the door to genuine healing and peace.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalm 34:18

God doesn't expect you to mask your emotions with false cheerfulness, especially during the holidays. He invites you to come to Him just as you are, weary and burdened and promises rest and solace for your soul (Matthew 11:28).

This holiday season, be gentle with yourself. If the festivities become overwhelming, it's okay to step back and find a quiet space for reflection and prayer. Engage in activities that bring you peace and comfort, and don't hesitate to share your burden with trusted friends or family members who can offer support and understanding.

I want you to walk away with today’s Plan with this in mind: allow yourself to grieve, but also give space for the Presence and Comfort of God. Let Him direct you in your decisions this holiday season. He is with you in every moment of sorrow and longing. Your journey as a parent of a prodigal is a difficult one, but it's also a journey graced with the potential for growth and deepened faith. Lean into that hope and the Love of God that sustains you through each day. And, as we walk through this holiday season together in this Plan, I hope your eyes are opened to how you can navigate this time of year with a renewed sense of peace and understanding.