It’s Christmas week and we’ve been more aware in recent years of our need for comfort and joy.

Tom’s stepdad is in the final stages of life with Hospice overseeing his comfort. He has lived a full life and at 94 he is ready to enter into eternal joy.

But not yet. only God knows the days marked out for him.

Tom and I have walked with many family members down this road together. Sometimes it’s me carrying the responsibility and other times it’s has been Tom carrying the weight. But together we provide much needed comfort to each other while walking them down this final road to eternity.

It’s interesting that so many in our family have waited until the holiday season to say their goodbyes. This brings a mixture of emotions; While the world sings, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” We are singing “Swing low, sweet chariot coming forth to carry me [them] home…”

It is hard to watch your spouse struggle with the last goodbyes. So many memories, so many things to be grateful for, so much of life and love shared. But now they are coming to an end, yet without regret.

I have discovered the best way to walk with Tom through this is to listen to his heart and pray for him. He knows the same scriptures I know. He knows the same truths. But this road is personal and unique for everyone who mourns and everyone who dies.

I’m listening to God as I listen to Tom. What Tom needs is what God gives—comfort and joy. I am privileged to walk with both as we say goodbye to his “bonus” dad as we like to call him.

What difficult roads have you and your spouse walked together? Have you sensed God’s comfort and joy? If you haven’t we’d be happy to talk more with you about this life-changing help and hope.

May your Christmas be filled with comfort and joy that comes from God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Immanuel, God with us!

UPDATE: Pops passed from this life last night after our last visit earlier in the evening. It was about the same time I was writing this post. We are grateful and relieved; he is no longer suffering. Thank you for praying for us.