Christmas Lights

A common question whenever I talk about my injury involves my attitude toward Christmas decorations. It’s already come up a few times along the ride, including our visit to Elk River, Mn.

“Do you still like Christmas lights? Do they make you sad? Do you put decorations up at Christmas?” The questions come from kids and adults. It takes courage to ask really honest questions. I suspect lots of folks wonder but are afraid to ask.

I don’t blame Christmas, or Christmas lights, for my injury. I don’t blame anything, or anyone. It was a silly, senseless accident.

So I still find joy in Christmas and the decorations and lights of the season. Our house is always filled with Becky’s amazing array of holiday adornments.

I think there’s a deeper question at work. I think people are really asking a universal question: Why does stuff like this happen?

I know there’s a wide range of theology about this. I have my own analysis, but I’m certainly not arrogant enough to think I possess the definitive answer to such a difficult question. It’s one of those issues everyone grapples with and has to answer for themselves.

I would offer one piece of advice. When someone’s struggling with grief, please be careful about offering pat answers to their questions. “It’s God’s plan” may sound comforting, but experience tells me that it doesn’t really help. It only reinforces the notion that you shouldn’t be angry or sad—if it’s “God’s will” you should just happily accept it, right? And if you don’t, then you add guilt to grief.

Aside from that, I’m less concerned with what happened than with what’s come from it. I lean on the promise in Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

I don’t have to believe my injury was a good thing (I don’t). But I trust that God won’t allow it to be meaningless, that He’ll use it for good.

That’s a very good thing, and I can still enjoy Christmas lights.

Please leave a comment here.

* * * * *

Would you like a more in-depth explanation of my answer to “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?”

Download my free e-book: If God Loves Me So Much, Why …?

Please take a look at my other free e-books at my Resources Page.

Where’s Rich? Today This Week

Want to get involved with Rich’s Ride? Check here for some ideas. Send us a message, and consider riding along.
It’s going to be fun!

I’m doing a big project to share a big dream, and I’d love to have you along.
Click below to get Rich’s Ride
delivered directly to your inbox.