Comments on: A Bittersweet Season http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/ spirituality, art, inspiration...relationship Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:04:20 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: John Michalak http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-156 John Michalak Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:00:26 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-156 That's great, Kerrie..."lean into the pain." No one can force us to do so, but when we do, we can more fully experience God's love, as you say. Thanks so much for sharing. That’s great, Kerrie…”lean into the pain.” No one can force us to do so, but when we do, we can more fully experience God’s love, as you say. Thanks so much for sharing.

]]> By: Kerrie http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-155 Kerrie Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:54:02 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-155 John, Thank you so much for what you shared here. It's funny, because I wanted to find time to read what you had written, but I had no clue it'd be pretty much exactly what my close friends & I had been talking about the past couple of weeks or so. Actually, it's even difficult for me to connect with church services/sermons at times & yet the past couple weeks (& times I've been:) to my church here, our pastor was talking about a theme for Christmas & for our lives...about leaning into the pain. It's so wonderful & wretchedly fantastic for me to think of Jesus in such a place as I find myself- which is literally the end of myself. At a time when I am realizing what it means to lean into the pain of my own life & circumstances, when in the past I've wanted so desperately to run from them & their confusion, it is so hopeful to imagine & know God's love...because their is someone who understands me, With me. Your words are an encouragement for sure & a great reminder. Thanks so much. Kerrie John,

Thank you so much for what you shared here. It’s funny, because I wanted to find time to read what you had written, but I had no clue it’d be pretty much exactly what my close friends & I had been talking about the past couple of weeks or so. Actually, it’s even difficult for me to connect with church services/sermons at times & yet the past couple weeks (& times I’ve been:) to my church here, our pastor was talking about a theme for Christmas & for our lives…about leaning into the pain. It’s so wonderful & wretchedly fantastic for me to think of Jesus in such a place as I find myself- which is literally the end of myself. At a time when I am realizing what it means to lean into the pain of my own life & circumstances, when in the past I’ve wanted so desperately to run from them & their confusion, it is so hopeful to imagine & know God’s love…because their is someone who understands me, With me. Your words are an encouragement for sure & a great reminder. Thanks so much.

Kerrie

]]> By: John Michalak http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-154 John Michalak Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:44:45 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-154 Tony, so sorry to hear about your parents. Mine are still with me, and I'm not sure how I'd handle it if lost them both at our age. So, your strength is amazing to me. Christ's birth, and his resurrection are really my only reason to hope when facing such loss. And certainly like you say, the friends and family that are still with us help the healing process and give us purpose to move forward. Thanks for your comments. Tony, so sorry to hear about your parents. Mine are still with me, and I’m not sure how I’d handle it if lost them both at our age. So, your strength is amazing to me. Christ’s birth, and his resurrection are really my only reason to hope when facing such loss. And certainly like you say, the friends and family that are still with us help the healing process and give us purpose to move forward. Thanks for your comments.

]]> By: Tony Rajcich http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-153 Tony Rajcich Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:40:22 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-153 John, Very nicely written. This one hit home for me. I've lost both of my parents right in the holiday season with my Father passing away just after Thanksgiving a year ago. This holiday season was a struggle for me until I put more thought into what I have in my friends and family instead of what I have lost over the years. John, Very nicely written.

This one hit home for me. I’ve lost both of my parents right in the holiday season with my Father passing away just after Thanksgiving a year ago. This holiday season was a struggle for me until I put more thought into what I have in my friends and family instead of what I have lost over the years.

]]> By: John Michalak http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-152 John Michalak Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:55:21 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-152 Thanks for your comments, Jack. Thanks for your comments, Jack.

]]> By: jack birdwhistell http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-151 jack birdwhistell Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:46:07 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-151 People have such high expectations that 'Christmas' will 'make everything better.' A wise former pastor liked to say, "'Christmas' intensifies everything. If life is good, the holiday hubbub makes it better--if life has cracks, the hubbub makes them worse. Thanks for the wise words. People have such high expectations that ‘Christmas’ will ‘make everything better.’ A wise former pastor liked to say, “‘Christmas’ intensifies everything. If life is good, the holiday hubbub makes it better–if life has cracks, the hubbub makes them worse. Thanks for the wise words.

]]> By: John Michalak http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-149 John Michalak Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:09:19 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-149 Sounds like you have the right focus, Crystal. For me, it's truly a mystery how leaning on God in such times gets us through, but it does. Often, he brings in flesh-and-blood people for us to lean on in his stead. I'm thankful for them as well. Sounds like you have the right focus, Crystal. For me, it’s truly a mystery how leaning on God in such times gets us through, but it does. Often, he brings in flesh-and-blood people for us to lean on in his stead. I’m thankful for them as well.

]]> By: Crystal Weeks http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-148 Crystal Weeks Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:59:54 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-148 Speechless! Since my grandmother passed 25 years ago, two days prior to Christmas, it has been a depressing time for me. I was always constantly trying to busy myself to keep my mind off the loss of a loved one. This year I have tried to remind myself that God gave the ultimate sacrifice. He has always been and always will be there for me. I’ve got to learn to let God shoulder the hurt and to lean on him to get me through the toughest times. Speechless! Since my grandmother passed 25 years ago, two days prior to Christmas, it has been a depressing time for me. I was always constantly trying to busy myself to keep my mind off the loss of a loved one. This year I have tried to remind myself that God gave the ultimate sacrifice. He has always been and always will be there for me. I’ve got to learn to let God shoulder the hurt and to lean on him to get me through the toughest times.

]]> By: John Michalak http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-146 John Michalak Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:27:07 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-146 Hi Sharon, I'm so sorry to hear about your divorce and the troubles with your kids. Really, when someone goes through something like you are, there's often little encouragement or advice that rings true, unless it's from someone who's been through the same thing. I haven't been through exactly what you're going through, but I can't sympathize with the loneliness and rejection you speak of. And, like you said and like I mentioned in the blog, we can turn to Jesus during Christmas because was know he's "been there," that he truly gets what we're going through. But not just that, he also shows us the path to healing, restoration, etc. He joins us in our suffering so we can join him in the good stuff. That's my prayer for you this Christmas. That you can find that path to him amidst your pain. John Hi Sharon,

I’m so sorry to hear about your divorce and the troubles with your kids. Really, when someone goes through something like you are, there’s often little encouragement or advice that rings true, unless it’s from someone who’s been through the same thing. I haven’t been through exactly what you’re going through, but I can’t sympathize with the loneliness and rejection you speak of. And, like you said and like I mentioned in the blog, we can turn to Jesus during Christmas because was know he’s “been there,” that he truly gets what we’re going through. But not just that, he also shows us the path to healing, restoration, etc. He joins us in our suffering so we can join him in the good stuff. That’s my prayer for you this Christmas. That you can find that path to him amidst your pain.

John

]]> By: John Michalak http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-145 John Michalak Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:21:11 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-145 I'm so glad it touched you, Melisa. Check your Facebook mail. I sent you a message there. I’m so glad it touched you, Melisa. Check your Facebook mail. I sent you a message there.

]]> By: shSmith http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-144 shSmith Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:33:29 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-144 This is my first Christmas on the heals of a difficult divorce, and I expect to find my children intentionally rejecting me. Will be very hard and painful. But, it's also giving me occasion to hone in on what the season is really about ... That Jesus did not enter our world to bring us warm and fuzzies, but rather He embraced a life of loneliness and rejection, that we might be reconciled to our Maker. This post is a great comfort and help in my experience this year. This is my first Christmas on the heals of a difficult divorce, and I expect to find my children intentionally rejecting me. Will be very hard and painful. But, it’s also giving me occasion to hone in on what the season is really about … That Jesus did not enter our world to bring us warm and fuzzies, but rather He embraced a life of loneliness and rejection, that we might be reconciled to our Maker. This post is a great comfort and help in my experience this year.

]]> By: Melisa LaVergne http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-143 Melisa LaVergne Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:47:04 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-143 Oh, John. That made me cry. I will try my best to think of your words over the next few days. Oh, John. That made me cry. I will try my best to think of your words over the next few days.

]]> By: John Michalak http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-142 John Michalak Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:11:03 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-142 Thanks, Mary. Thanks, Mary.

]]> By: Mary DeMuth http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-141 Mary DeMuth Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:01:43 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-141 Perhaps we'd all do well to keep our sensitivity high for those hurting this time of year. The best gifts we can give the grieving don't involve money, but empathy and listening. Great post. Perhaps we’d all do well to keep our sensitivity high for those hurting this time of year. The best gifts we can give the grieving don’t involve money, but empathy and listening. Great post.

]]> By: John Michalak http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-140 John Michalak Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:43:40 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-140 Some great encouragement, Khad. Thanks! Some great encouragement, Khad. Thanks!

]]> By: Khad Young http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-139 Khad Young Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:32:51 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-139 Wonderfully written. Thank you. I have recently moved from the Detroit area to Los Angeles, and winter in general was always a tough time of year for me. I suffer pretty badly from Seasonal Affective Disorder and Christmas has been one of the most joyous, depressing holidays for me. I know that it might not help folks to know that *I* am doing a million times better out here than I ever did in Michigan, but tell this in order to say that there is hope. For me, it was as simple as — though it hasn't been easy — moving to a warmer, sunnier climate. I know that my situation is not the same as everyone else's and not everyone can just pick up and move. However, I thank God that I do not *have* to now live through what I have for so long. Whatever one is going through, whether the pain of the loss of a loved one to divorce (been there) or even death, Christ offers us the wonderful hope of His love and grace. “Seek, and you will find.” — Jesus Never stop seeking. Though the journey may be long and arduous, we have a friend like no other who loves us like there is no tomorrow. Especially when it feels like there isn't. Wonderfully written. Thank you.

I have recently moved from the Detroit area to Los Angeles, and winter in general was always a tough time of year for me. I suffer pretty badly from Seasonal Affective Disorder and Christmas has been one of the most joyous, depressing holidays for me.

I know that it might not help folks to know that *I* am doing a million times better out here than I ever did in Michigan, but tell this in order to say that there is hope. For me, it was as simple as — though it hasn’t been easy — moving to a warmer, sunnier climate. I know that my situation is not the same as everyone else’s and not everyone can just pick up and move. However, I thank God that I do not *have* to now live through what I have for so long.

Whatever one is going through, whether the pain of the loss of a loved one to divorce (been there) or even death, Christ offers us the wonderful hope of His love and grace.

“Seek, and you will find.” — Jesus

Never stop seeking. Though the journey may be long and arduous, we have a friend like no other who loves us like there is no tomorrow. Especially when it feels like there isn’t.

]]> By: John Michalak http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-138 John Michalak Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:44:06 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-138 Thanks, Ken. It's funny how hard stuff can happen throughout the year, but it seems most crushing around Christmas. Like anything, it can be a time to reflect on what's important, like the stuff with your sister. The Christmas story offers me hope through all such things. And, I've heard from you and elsewhere how those of the Jewish faith often combine holidays. I'm sure the kids don't complain with the presents! :) Thanks, Ken. It’s funny how hard stuff can happen throughout the year, but it seems most crushing around Christmas. Like anything, it can be a time to reflect on what’s important, like the stuff with your sister. The Christmas story offers me hope through all such things.

And, I’ve heard from you and elsewhere how those of the Jewish faith often combine holidays. I’m sure the kids don’t complain with the presents! :)

]]> By: Ken Mora http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-137 Ken Mora Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:15:54 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-137 Though I'm an atheist I was raised in a Christian family and always enjoyed the warm and welcoming time. Maybe few of us had money, but we always had each other. Now I get to add to those memories the traditions of Chanukah brought into my life from my wife and her lovely family, and we celebrate both holidays with our daughter. But there was many a lonely Christmas for me as a young adult, and later "orphan" Christmases with friends either forcibly or electively estranged from family. Finally, my sister died shortly after Christmas just a couple years ago, and I regret all the feelings that went unsaid between us. Like no other holiday it seems a sweetness hightened by the bitter and the melancholy all balaced by a warm feeling of nostalgia. Though I’m an atheist I was raised in a Christian family and always enjoyed the warm and welcoming time. Maybe few of us had money, but we always had each other. Now I get to add to those memories the traditions of Chanukah brought into my life from my wife and her lovely family, and we celebrate both holidays with our daughter.
But there was many a lonely Christmas for me as a young adult, and later “orphan” Christmases with friends either forcibly or electively estranged from family.
Finally, my sister died shortly after Christmas just a couple years ago, and I regret all the feelings that went unsaid between us.
Like no other holiday it seems a sweetness hightened by the bitter and the melancholy all balaced by a warm feeling of nostalgia.

]]> By: John Michalak http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-136 John Michalak Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:02:45 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-136 Thanks, Kristal. :) Thanks, Kristal. :)

]]> By: Kristal http://www.johnmichalak.com/2009/12/a-bittersweet-season/comment-page-1/#comment-135 Kristal Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:36:07 +0000 http://eiszoe.wordpress.com/?p=118#comment-135 Beautiful thoughts, John. I always enjoy reading your writings - you put into words what a lot of us feel but can't express. (I especially like your blog about bodily fluids - nicely done!) Thanks for sharing that intimate memory of your mother, and I hope your Christmas this year is more sweet than bitter. Beautiful thoughts, John. I always enjoy reading your writings – you put into words what a lot of us feel but can’t express. (I especially like your blog about bodily fluids – nicely done!) Thanks for sharing that intimate memory of your mother, and I hope your Christmas this year is more sweet than bitter.

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