Thriving Through the Holidays: 5 Days of Hope for the Military Wife This ChristmasChikamu

Dwelling in His Presence

I underestimated the emotions that would accompany a holiday move.

It was after the goodbyes, on our drive, in the middle of nowhere, when I finally could take a deep breath and feel at rest for the first time during this Christmas season. It wasn't the typical hustle and bustle of the holidays that kept me coasting on fumes, but rather the weight of pulling up roots and beginning the journey of replanting them elsewhere.

This Christmas was not as I hoped it would be. While living like nomads isn't a new experience for our family, moving during the holidays is. I have always associated home with the holidays, and for us- "Home" is wherever the military sends us. Our home was our safe space, no matter where we lived, but we didn't have one this holiday season, which left me longing for what was.

Our cherished holiday traditions were disrupted this year, such as decorating the tree with our eclectic collection of ornaments. The twinkling lights that used to fill the quiet mornings were replaced by the monotony of ten-hour daily drives in a packed-to-the-brim minivan. The practicalities of our move overshadowed the anticipation and joy of the season.

While we were lacking most of the holiday traditions this year, there was one sweet tradition I could do while driving. I began recounting the true Christmas story and what this season is all about. The story of our Savior's birth came alive in a new and beautiful way during our long journey.

I thought about Mary, who was pregnant and traveling with Joseph to Bethlehem for the census. I thought about their emotions and the utter exhaustion they likely felt. I was reminded about how they likely experienced frustration as they tried to find a place to stay to give birth, a place worthy of a King. I was hopeful as I thought about how God blessed us with the best gift despite the journey's discomfort or unmet expectations.

This reminiscing of a story I have known since childhood comforted my hurting heart during this transient holiday season. While military housing and our places of comfort change with each new duty station, we can always find our home in the Lord. He becomes our safe place, where we find comfort and enjoy his presence. When Jesus is our home, our dwelling place, we aren't shaken by the ever-changing seasons but instead remain hopeful for the future that is to come.