The Weary World Rejoices

When life feels anything but perfect, remember this...

The Christmas story can feel so far removed from the reality of our lives. Softly lit nativity scenes and perfect paintings may tell one story, but the truth is far messier—and far more beautiful.

God chose to enter the world not in power and perfection but in humility and brokenness. His first crib was a feeding trough, born to a young unmarried couple, and announced to lowly shepherds on society’s margins. Jesus’ arrival wasn’t polished—it was raw, unexpected, and real.

This glimpse into the heart of God reveals something.

God doesn’t avoid our mess; He steps into it. He didn’t come to fix life as we imagine it should be—He came to redeem life as it is.

For those of us grieving this Christmas, let this truth sink in: God is not distant. He knows your pain, your weariness, and your longing. And yet, this is the very world He came to save.

Jesus didn’t shy away from hidden, humble places—He chose them. And that’s where He meets us, too.

Let the manger remind you this Christmas: Even in the struggle, there is hope. Even in the pain, there is a promise. A weary world rejoices—not because life is perfect, but because a Savior has come. And He’s not afraid to step into the mess with you.

Happy Mother’s Day, Bro

Today we recognize Mother’s Day...not the way we want to though…

 If we got what we wanted, we would be waking up early and sneak into the kitchen with the kids to make breakfast for her. We would watch her open her construction paper cards made by with crayons and folded construction paper. We would take 20 pictures to get that one she liked where all the kids were smiling and it got the good angle. We would tell her to go take nap while we took care of the kids…aka let them watch a movie to keep them quiet. 

Today isn’t what we wanted though…we don’t get to celebrate with cards and flowers and naps. So what can gift can we give to our person that isn’t here to open it? How do we honor her life and her love? Well we can give her the gift of deciding that we won’t waste her love by only crying and only being sad and only feeling less than whole. We can give her the gift of celebrating today to the best of our ability by loving and leading our kids that miss their mama better than we ever have. We can give her the gift of pointing our hearts towards the hope of Heaven that promises that we will one day be reunited and not empty handed for that much anticipated reunion. 

So as you go through your day, feel the sadness, acknowledge this day hurts and it’s hard. But remember that you can still give Mother’s Day gifts that she will love. 

Happy Mother’s Day, Bro…with you and for you!

To The Widower on Father’s Day

Father’s Day is almost here, but I’m guessing its shadow has been creeping into your thoughts over the past few days, if not weeks. By now, you’ve probably seen the ads on social media for that new fishing shirt, walked past the grills on display at Costco, or maybe even noticed a sale on the New Balance dad shoes that are arguably in style for now. For guys like us, though, the brutal reminder that Father’s Day brings cancels out any gift you could possibly open on that day.

The fact is, your wife isn’t here anymore to buy those gifts or remind the kids to make a homemade card for you, and you probably don’t see any way this salt-in-the-wound kind of day could be a good day again.

You’re a widower now, so the thought of Father’s Day is probably messing with you emotionally. You’re not weak or unhealed if you feel this way; you’re normal. But what if I told you that you can actually look forward to Father’s Day? Hear me out…

The most precious gift your wife ever gave you is your kid(s). Whether they’re a blend of you and your wife’s personalities, looks, mannerisms, and talents, or they came into your family through adoption, they are your greatest treasure. You have been trusted with loving, leading, and raising these gifts in a way that would make your wife proud. Remember, she chose YOU.

Your children are learning from you how to carry grief, and you have a choice in what you show them:

Option A: Stuff grief like a rock in a backpack that no one sees but constantly weighs you down.

Option B: Wear grief like a label on your forehead that everyone sees and struggles to look past.

Option C: Wear grief like a smart watch that reveals what’s going on inside so you can adjust your pace and seek help if needed.

Grief brings everything to the surface and offers you a chance to address it. If grief brings up unforgiveness, anger, and resentment, at least you know what you’re dealing with. You can choose to stuff them, show them, or sort through them. Whichever option you choose, your kids will likely imitate your healing or your hurt.

More importantly, grief should remind us that we can’t survive this in our own strength. Our grit is no match for God’s grace. Our only real chance of joy and hope, unchanged by our circumstances, comes from God. Heaven gives us the boldness to proclaim that each day brings us closer to being reunited with our loved one. Until that reunion, we get God’s nearness, helping our broken heart beat and carry on with the work we have left to do.

This Father’s Day, take comfort in Psalm 62:7: “…my refuge is God.” And take heart in your calling to love and lead your kid(s) well. The journey is intense, but keep fixing your eyes on Jesus…generations to come will be blessed by your faithfulness.

Happy Father’s Day, brother…may it be your most life-changing one yet.