Loss

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement

Loss

 

The dash up I-95 became a crawl. All four lanes going our direction closed as the result of a high-speed chase. In spite of the delays and the concerns about arriving too late, we reached the New Jersey hospice in time to say our goodbyes to a beloved relative. Sad as the occasion was, the possibility that hearing is the last sense to go was a comforting thought as we talked. Death is a fact of life; and, sooner or later, we all will experience heartbreaking loss of a loved one.

 

At times like this, when pangs of loss assault me, I like to think about the probability of a celebration in Heaven to greet a Christian believer. Imagine a face to face meeting with Jesus and the welcome of rejoicing angels, as well as loving greetings from those who have gone before. Of course, we don’t know exactly what happens, but many credible testimonies match scripture to make these delightful happenings believable. Regardless, this switch from my feelings to the loved one’s feelings brings me comfort and provides a helpful perspective. It isn’t healthy to deny our grief and stifle our feelings, but no harm comes from finding substitute mental pictures to lighten our hearts. Our good God stands ready to offer perfect help for each of us when we grieve the loss of a loved one. He knows all the components that contribute to our grief and what will best heal our particular nature as well as is the best timing we require. God doesn’t try to rush us to heal. God has breathed His inspiration over several programs such as Grief Share to help us at such times. Ask His direction for what is good for you.  He cares about what makes you sad and what makes you glad. His love is available at all times.