Loss

Here’s what I hate: loss

There’s a certain amount of tears and pain during extraction and then a gaping hole.  A difference hangs in the air and an emptiness that shouldn’t be there.  Certain difficulties arise in every day life—chewing is a challenge and a shadow infects her smile.

We are feeling those same feelings of loss: pain, tears, frustration, and confusion.  There’s a difference in the air and a silence that shouldn’t be there.  Certain difficulties arise in every day life—like a leaking toilet that no longer has it’s fixer.  Sleeping is a challenge and a shadow infects our smiles. 

Basically, there is a gaping hole.

Saturday morning, we lost a father, grandfather, and amazing man of God.  One friend had it right when she said that he was instantly in the arms of Jesus.  That is our comfort and one cause for rejoicing.  We also celebrate the affects of his life lived fully to serve and glorify God.  The stories of the way he enriched, influenced, and cared for so many lives keep pouring in—filling our hearts, which overflow in tears. 

We cry because of the deep, unfathomable ways he will be missed.  We cry because our hearts are broken under the weight of reality.  We cry because of the cruelty of death who cares not what he takes from us.

But, when we cry out from the depths of our heart, God is there.  Our one true comfort and everlasting joy comes near and holds us tight.  He works mysteriously and miraculously through His spirit and then He works tangibly through His servants who come with food, Kleenex, hugs, and flowers.  They come with eyes glistening, arms outstretched and stories both touching and funny. 

They drive long distances to be with us, stand with us, sit with us, and live with us in the moments of our sorrow.  God is in these comforting gestures given freely and genuinely.  God strengthens us through His word sent in cards, emails, and notes on FaceBook.  I marvel at the many, many kind words God pours through others to fill our weary souls.

I praise God for the gifts of comfort and care that he’s sent through each of you. 

"You too have grief now, but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice and no one will take your joy away from you." John 16:22