We all experience grief and loss, none of it the same because we are unique people, we have unique relationships with people in our lives.
But we all experience pain in loss, pain and loss that can feel unbearable at times.
When I was divorced in 2011, there was a different kind of intensity to the loss than when my father died or my younger sister before that. I was older and more aware. And my life changed in ways that the deaths had not altered my life– moving, having to form new relationships…the list goes on.
Feeling exasperated, I finally asked God what I was supposed to learn during this experience. I wanted to move forward’ I wanted out of the pain I was tired of feeling. I wanted life to open to brighter sunshine again.
One of the messages I felt I received during that time was that it’s an opportunity to draw closer to God. For many of us, feeling closer to God brings a sense of peace that so many other aspects of life don’t. It’s as if a piece of a puzzle has been placed so that we can see much of the picture the puzzle creates. Or maybe we reach a scenic view on a trip.
I don’t wish loss of any kind on anyone. But I know the reality is that we all will experience it (or have experienced it). We can’t turn back the the clock to change anything, however, we can make sure we go forward and use it as an opportunity to grow. And using it as an opportunity to grow closer to God is also one way that will bring us much peace and hope.
It’s always worth the effort.