The Pain is REAL...
I wrote this right before my firstborn (at age 17) left for
the Navy. The grief of that time hit me
like a ton of bricks, and I’ve never experienced anything like it before. Today, three and a half years later, I find
myself in a completely different, grief-laden experience. As I read these words again, they still ring
true so I’m sharing them with you...
In the midst of our happiness and making of memories lurks
the knowledge that something dreadful is about to (or has already) happen. It
is always there, that deep grief, reminding you that it has not gone away and
will not go away. It strives to steal the joy out of every moment, leaving you
with a pain that is unique and abiding. As it peeks at you, from its hiding
place, you are presented with a choice of what to do. Will you continue to gaze
at it and allow yourself to be sucked into its darkness? Or will you turn your
face away, slip your hand into the hand of your Father and keep walking
forward.
I'm not suggesting you ignore it, if you did it would never
go away. I'm suggesting you place your full confidence and trust in the only
One able to see you through this time; a time which is unlike anything else
you've ever experienced. He alone is
able to banish the grief from your heart - you have to trust Him. While it does
take strength to do this, mostly it takes willingness to rest completely in the
arms of the Lover of your soul. He's been where you are, and knows intimately
the excruciating pain you feel. He holds you close, and cries each tear with
you. If you look closely around you, during this time, you will see how He has
met your needs. Watch for Him - He is
there acting on your behalf through the hug of a dear one, a word of
encouragement, a scripture you read at just the right time. Rest in the promise
"I will never leave you or forsake you.". At no time will you ever be
left to walk this journey alone.
Put your hand in His. Lift your eyes to His face. Walk
forward.
