Grieving

Yesterday marked 1 month since my Grandma went home to Jesus. It’s also coming up on 15 months since we lost my Uncle so suddenly. I miss them both so much. Time goes fast, and life moves on. Partly good, because it helps us keep moving too. But when do we take time to stop and remember, to grieve?

We live in a culture that doesn’t seem to encourage grieving. It appears at the pace the world moves, there’s no time for that. Keep busy. Go go go. Again, sometimes that can be good, helping us put one foot in front of the other. But I’ve also learned the hard way that I can’t run away from my grief.

I continue to learn the value and necessity of grieving, and know that I have to make time for it. No one else will make that time for me. I’ve also learned that I’m not meant to grieve alone. I was made to grieve in community.

I believe God has more of himself that He wants to offer each one of us in our grief. The Bible says, He is near to the broken-hearted, He provides for those who grieve, and He comforts those who mourn. We experience this in community.

We get to choose to remember our loved ones and other things we have lost, and talk about them. 

Today I remember my Mammaw Betty, how she let me help her in the kitchen and taught me how to make gravy, and the importance of family meals ☺️.

I also remember my Uncle Joe, who had the best smile, gave great hugs, and who showed me what generous hospitality looked like.❤️

Can we remember together today and be with each other in our grief? We have all had much loss this year and beyond. Maybe it’s a loved one you’ve lost, a job, a relationship, your health, etc. There is nothing too small or insignificant. There is no right or wrong way to do this. It can be one word. Would you be willing to name something? 

Thank you for being with me.

❤️, Amy