"Silent Night, Holy Day." A Note From Jan. Jud's Journal Entry Fifty-two.
My Norwegian grandmother and Mama loved poetry and stories with happy endings probably because their lives were extra hard. Tonight I recalled Mama reciting lines from a poem that began, “Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your flight, Make me a child again, just for tonight.”
Not all childhood memories elicit such strong desires to head back home for comfort. But in tough times something in us wishes for some kind of safe house a place nearby or way back for comfort perspective courage to go on.
Our children and grandchildren made a safe place for me
on this my first Christmas without Jud. I tried, too, for their sakes. We, a collection of opinions, preferences, ages and styles, doing our best to love and tend each other in this place.
Sometimes perspective slips in through a young mind, a fresh heart. Basil, age 4, set me to wondering after breakfasting with him the morning after Christmas.
We ate at the kitchen counter, side by side Just us chickens as the rest were fast asleep. He wanted me to sing the “holy” song. So I started singing, “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Basil’s favorite song for me to sing, daytime or night, no matter the time of year.
The second time around, Basil added fresh lyrics. “Silent Night. Holy day time.” Did I hear him right? “Holy day time?” So I asked Basil, “Why holy day time?”
“in day time chickens hatch there’s sunshine and the family’s all together …”
God let a 4 year old grab hold of his 74 year old grandmother to give her the gift of perspective, comfort and a good dose of courage to go on. Holy day time! Can’t always say, “all is calm all is bright” But another day HOLY always.
22 Comments
Thank you thank you for sharing such insights and these HUGE little gifts from God- to reined you that He has not forgotten you in your sorrow.
Love it! I can just see you all and feel the love! Hugs to all , Matt's aunt Ellen Love!
Jan. I am so thankful for the wee ones all around you at this time of sadness. One can't be sad for long when a child is asking for a Holy song and sitting on your knee. Sing on, Jud will love it. Praise HIM over and over and over again. Betty Herrmann
Amen .... 'tis true. Thank you, Jan. :)
Bless you Basil! I love the way you listen to each word, Janny--careful not to miss any gift from the
heart and mouth of your youngest grandchild. A gift to us all. Thank you.
Dear Jan,
Jud, now painless, must be smiling to see you and all his loved ones comforting one another with love and encouragement. It's good to remember God is with us wherever we are. Thinking about you.
Bless you, Jan. thank you for these lovely posts!
So true...a little child often leads us to truth. May the new year, filled with so much adjustment to a new kind of life , also be filled with holy daytime. We love you. A card is addressed and stamped for you but unfortunately on the plane with us headed to Asia:(. Will send back with someone coming to the states. Keeping you in our prayers and in our hearts!
Holy New Year, dear Jan💝
I prayed for you and your family today during my walk through the woods - "up north." Basically, I thanked God for your courage and willingness to teach me, through your grief, how to love and depend upon the Lord even more by these postings. Love, Dale
Love it and will hold that phrase dear along with our thoughts of you, dear Sister!
"Holy day time!" Love it, dear Jan, and love you...and love the way you make your huge loss, sadness, and dark days "Holy"...oh, so holy! God bless you, Jan, and your children and grandchildren too. Enjoy these "holy" days together.
Hhmmm, perfect!
Our grandchildren bring us such joy! I'm glad yours are bringing joy to you!!
Love this. Thanks again, Jan, for these good words.
Holy Day--holiday.
That kid has the same heart as the early church leaders...make a holy-day every day of the week...feast or fast
Love it and will hold that phrase dear along with our thoughts of you, dear Sister!
"Holy day time!" Love it, dear Jan, and love you...and love the way you make your huge loss, sadness, and dark days "Holy"...oh, so holy! God bless you, Jan, and your children and grandchildren too. Enjoy these "holy" days together.
Hhmmm, perfect!
Our grandchildren bring us such joy! I'm glad yours are bringing joy to you!!
Love this. Thanks again, Jan, for these good words.
Holy Day--holiday.
That kid has the same heart as the early church leaders...make a holy-day every day of the week...feast or fast