Have you ever found yourself coming to grip with your emotions, to realize that you have been comatose about what has been going on around you? For instance, one day we realize that life is not as fun anymore. We haven’t taken the time out of our busy schedule to just laugh and to enjoy the beauty and scenery around us?
Well today is the day to take notice.
Grief comes in many forms: A child grows to maturity to leave home for college; Our aging parents are now our children to care for; Our best friend forever (BFF) takes a journey to another life where we are not welcomed yet; The passion we so enjoy and love has to take the backseat while we care for a loved one; A neighbor moves and the new neighbor likes to nuke the lawn to an unrecognizable era. Oh yes, grief comes in disguise like a thief in the night. So subtle and yet so damaging to the soul.
Leap forward into conscientiousness. Grief is not avoidable, that is, if we are human with a heart.
Finding joy in the midst of grief is not easy. Yet, joyfulness has to take precedence to avoid health issues to our body, mind, and our spirit. We have to take time to care for self in order to help and to appreciate others.
Serenade our heart with gladness. Know that we are truly blessed beyond measure. Grace adorns us but we cannot fathom. If only we can know that the Lord can slow us down and ease the paining of our hearts, then we will be nourished.
Refrain from those things that bring havoc into our spirit, like gossip and/or a tainted past. Refresh in the newness of exquisiteness like a gentle walk in the park. Perhaps listen to the soundtrack of a favorite artist. Settle in with an adventurous book that brings laughter. Or just dig in the dirt as if no one is watching, and pretend to hunt for those hidden treasures.
We are loved. We might have time on our hands today, but grief will eventually catch us. Let our joy be known to the world. Put a stride in our glide. The grief will not necessarily dissipate totally, but we try to divert the sadness. We take time for personal discipline. We accept that our relationships are our gifts and not our possessions. We lean upon one another. We just might help somebody find joy in the middle of their grief.