New Expectations
What are your expectations this holiday season? If you’re facing the holidays for the first time as a recently separated or divorced person, you may have no idea what to expect, except that things will be different.
Even things that remain the same, like listening to Christmas music on the radio, will likely feel different without your spouse.
Perhaps the healthiest choice you can make is to prepare for this reality and set appropriate expectations during this time. For example…
Anticipate that you will probably feel lonely during the holidays and make plans to be with family or friends who can provide needed companionship and encouragement.
Expect that you will likely have less energy to handle by yourself all the demands you used to share with your spouse. Decide what things have to be done and what things can wait.
Give yourself permission to ask for help when you need it.
And finally, pray to God and expect him to meet all your needs: emotional, spiritual, physical, and financial. He loves you and cares for you. As his child, you can count on the faithfulness of his promises.
So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31–33)