Tough Times

These have been very difficult times.

When we first began to hear about this coronavirus we little imagined the severe impact it would have on all of our lives. When we initially entered into lockdown in March, who would have thought that we would still be facing the restrictions we are enduring all these months later? As we began to gently ease out of the tightest restrictions back in the summer, we did not envisage going backwards again, and certainly not so far backwards. And while some may have questioned the wisdom of the initial lifting of restrictions for Christmas, few would have been expecting that we would have been so suddenly slammed into reverse with Christmas plans seemingly snatched from us at the last moment.

And with a new lockdown so quickly following whatever restricted Christmas we can manage, these do indeed feel like tough times.

In our own family, our plans for Christmas Day have now been abandoned. There were tears in abundance on Saturday evening.

For many, the hope that they might not have to spend all of Christmas Day alone has been snatched away and they will have had a bleak few days contemplating that.

For some (such as those who work in hospitality or retail) there will be the deep anxiety about their future livelihood.

Tough times.

All of these things touch our own family in various ways and are never far from mind, not least in the wakeful night-time hours.

But many folks have much more to contend with, including months of isolation and living on their own (which will seem now to be far from ending). Inability to visit loved ones in hospital or give them a hug in the care home. The loss of a dear one because of COVID-19.

Tough times.

While acknowledging that others may be facing worse privations than we are does help to put our own difficulties into perspective and can help us to ‘count our blessings’, it does not take away from or lessen the difficulty of our own situation.

And whatever else is the case, simply saying to ourselves or others, ‘cheer up’, ‘look on the bright side’, ‘it could be worse’ or whatever, does not change the reality. Nor do pious platitudes. Please spare me these!

But for me it does bring a degree of comfort and hope to recall that Jesus was born into a difficult situation when many folks – including his own family - faced tough times. No room when he was born; laid in a manger; fleeing as a refugee from the violence of Herod, and so on.

He has faced darkness, difficulty and tough times. He has experienced and known such things. He understands. I find that helps me to feel hope and brings me a degree of comfort.

And, as I write this, it is 21^st December; the shortest day. From tomorrow the days get longer and the darkness recedes.

Good!