“We bring nothing at birth;
we take nothing
    with us at death.
The Lord alone gives and takes.
Praise the name of the Lord.”  

Job 1:21 (CEV)

Whether it be a loved one or a treasured season of life, a pet or an occupation, it’s difficult to let go when it feels as if it didn’t have enough time to run its full course. How do we cope? How do we move on?

We’ve all heard it said:

“When God closes a door, He opens a window.” (Author Unknown) or “All good things must come to an end.” But it seems that whatever comfort these sayings offer is both slight and temporary. Here are a few suggestions as to where we might all go to find the comfort we seek:

1) Let Grief Run Its Full Course.

You don’t have to lose a loved one to grieve! Grief comes in many different forms and results from various events in life. Whatever the cause, let it be. Find people who will support and love you through it. For more information on grief, visit Focus On The Family’s “Understanding The Grieving Process”.

2) Don’t Be A Grumpy Blueberry; Give Thanks!

This may seem contradictory to the point I just mentioned! But there is certainly a difference between grieving and simple discontentment.

My four year old daughter, Emma, was recently watching Veggie Tales’ “Madame Blueberry”. The main character is plagued with discontentment and materialism, but ends up realizing how much she has to be truly thankful for. When the show finished, my little Emma came up to me and wisely said,

“Mom, I don’t want to be a grumpy blueberry. I’m going to be thankful for everything God has given!”

Now, I wish I could say that this is something that only she struggles with! But, alas, I too am plagued with the “If Only…” disease:

“If Only… I didn’t struggle with _________ (fill in the blank), I could be a better mom.”

“If Only… I still had him/her around, life would be OK again.”

“If Only… so-and-so had not done that, I wouldn’t be so upset.”

“If Only… my husband would be better at (meeting my needs/sympathizing/helping out, etc.), our marriage would be healthier.”

 “If Only… I had more time off… more sleep… more energy… more friends… more money… more respect…”

Truth is, each one of us have myriad things to be thankful for!! Family. Friends. A home. Freedom. A job. The sun in the sky. Beauty all around. Times of refreshing. Warm cookies… the list is truly endless! Take some time, each and every day, to call these blessings to mind… and then give thanks for them. It’s truly medicine for the weary soul.

3) Lean on Truth.

Jesus is not only alive (Acts 1:3) but he is constantly talking to the Father about us and the troubles we face (Romans 8:34).

His word is not only alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), but it is also a timeless, unfailing source of comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), and healing (Psalm 107:20).

A relationship with Christ is not only absolutely imperative (John 14:6), but it  is one of the most beautiful and meaningful gifts that we as humans could ever be given! It offers peace and protection and so much more (read Psalm 139!)

(Side note: There was a time in my life where even the Bible offered me little comfort; the words seemed lifeless and empty. If you are in a similar season of life, please tell someone close to you.)

___________

May you be encouraged, comforted, and full of hope!

Stacey

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