The Power of And

I read a blog post a while back where the author talked about the power of the word AND. So often we use the word *but* because we feel we are supposed to only feel one way at a time. For example: I’ve had a beautiful Christmas with my family, but I miss my baby girl so much more this time of year. Read the difference: I have had a beautiful Christmas with my family, *and* I miss my baby girl so much more this time of year. See the difference? It’s totally acceptable to feel more than one way about something. I’ve tried to remind myself of this idea over the past months. And today–on this beautifully joy filled AND sorrowfully painful Christmas day–a day that has brought new mixed emotions for me, I felt the need to share this thought. Because I know I am not the only one who feels differing emotions today. And I want to remind you that it’s normal. And ok. And recognizing all the emotions, and allowing myself to feel them all, has brought a deeper sense of thankfulness for a savior who felt it all first. Who rejoiced, and wept. And so thankful that I am both a sinner *and* saved. Because of His coming. Of His love. His death *and* resurrection. Thank you, Jesus. For the joy and the pain. Because I would not know one without the other. ❤️🌲