Rockwell and Reality

I don’t know about you but I often get caught up in the “wish it was” moments of the Holidays.  I so long for that Norman Rockwell picture of the holidays.   All of the family together as one big happy family.  Sharing gifts.  Sharing a beautiful meal.  Sharing laughter and memories.

Our home isn’t that Norman Rockwell picture.  We are broken by hidden disability and it affects that picture.  It is sad in some ways.  And it isn’t just sad for our little family.  It affects the extended family also.  It isn’t their “Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving/Christmas” either.

It is important to acknowledge this.  It is that elephant in the room that needs to be acknowledged.  It is important to acknowledge because without acknowledging it there will be hurt feelings, unrealized expectations, crushed dreams.  But by acknowledging it we open ourselves to new perspective.

Just because it isn’t Norman Rockwell doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful.  It just has to beautiful in the way that works for YOUR family.

I was pondering this early this morning and praying for God to show me His heart about it.

And I was reminded of the reality that this is why Jesus came.   He came to redeem all of these broken places.  The broken places in our health.  The broken places in our hearts.  The broken places in our families.

Jesus came to redeem our brokenness.  He came to give us abundant life today.  But abundant life doesn’t mean it will look like Norman Rockwell.  Norman doesn’t live at my house.

He came into this darkness to bring His light.  And He reminded me of this lovely song I have been singing all morning.  Listen.

Isn’t He, by John Wimber

Isn’t he beautiful?
Beautiful, isn’t he?
Prince of peace,
son of God.

Isn’t he?
Isn’t he wonderful?
Wonderful, isn’t he?
Counselor,
almighty God.
Isn’t he?

Yes, you are beautiful!
Beautiful, yes, you are!
Prince of Peace,
son of God.
Yes, you are!

Yes, you are wonderful!
Wonderful, yes, you are!
Counselor,
almighty God.
Yes, you are!

____

I pray as you enter this holiday season you will embrace the beauty of God’s presence and see the beauty in your life.

Warmly,

Shannon

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Shannon Royce

President & CEO at ChosenFamilies.org

Shannon Royce is president & C.E.O. of ChosenFamilies.org, a ministry for families living with hidden disabilities. She is Mom of two and wife of one. She is a public policy advocate, lymphoma survivor and slow and steady runner.

Latest posts by Shannon Royce (see all)

• He Is Reliable - March 3, 2015
• Of Healing and Stained Glass - February 3, 2015
• Arks and Altars - January 6, 2015