I like how you said there are so many things to grieve other than a death. People need love and support when they grieve the loss of someone in their life who is still living. That can be devastating as well.
“But grief encompasses so very much more, and more often than not the talking through of the death of loved ones cracks open a huge vault of other assorted griefs that have never even been named.” So true. ❤️
At first it's overwhelming when we realize all that's been tucked down under. But slowly but surely, all the pieces come together and it all begins to make sense.
"Or too absorbed by to do-lists and busyness with things that in the light of eternity will have no value at all." I so inspire for fullness, rather than busyness! Our sunrises arrive later and later in the mornings as the fall and winter seasons progress, so I do see them quite often, but often do not pause to take in their glory, and be grateful for another day dawning. You've inspired me to become more present as each of my days begins!
Oh I like this, Lynn -->'I so inspire for fullness, rather than busyness!' It's akin to aiming for excellence instead of perfection. This can be a fine line, yet when all is said and done, the heart motivations seem different. And there's a thread of peace and confidence rather than that rope of striving and craziness.
Thanks for leading us there this morning, friend. I always appreciate what you bring to the table. Happy weekend.
I've enjoyed sunrises and sunsets at various times in my life. For me, the sweetness of sunrise comes just as the light begins to brighten, before the sun breaks away from the horizon. I love the quiet, the dark shadows down in the creek bed, the glow of tree tops capturing the first rays of morning, and the first bird song to ride on the rising breeze. It IS a marvelous time of day! / How grateful your grief group must be, Linda, to have a leader who leans into their pain with compassion, discernment, and a listening ear!
Oh how you've painted the most glorious picture of early dawn, Nancy. I found myself a bit impatient in those minutes before the actual emerging of the sun. It's like I was trying to hurry up the whole process even as I was wondering if the sun was actually going to show up.
Patience has never been one of my virtues. * sigh *
Oh my goodness, Linda! I love that you got up to see the sunrise; few things are more glorious, in my opinion. Also, I have a feeling some of these words of yours will end up being quoted in some upcoming posts of my own. Thankful for you, friend.
It kind of warms my heart tonight as I look back and see how we've been able to offer each other words of consolation and hope when the other couldn't quite find them. I am so grateful for your presence in my life over the years. The good times, yes. But even more so, in those rough patches that seemed to last much longer than we had hoped.
Ah, Linda, you are such a gift. Thank you for being faithful to your gift of listening. Such a needed thing in this world. And, btw, while we’ve been on holiday this week, I’ve gotten up to watch the sunrise each morning. Such a lovely way to begin the day. Makes me wonder why I don’t do this every day.
Each morning. Wow, Laura! I'm a bit speechless ... and kind of in awe. Most of us use our vacations to sleep in but you're modeling a better way for us. Thank you, friend.
Just this past year, after living in my house for 27 years...I have discovered sitting out on my deck, waiting for sunrise. Hubby and I made a very full life here raising kids, but had never just quietly sat out there together, sipping coffee and starting our day together. A missed opportunity, but one I am turning into habit now. (:
Gina, hi ... and welcome! It sounds like your empty nest is opening up opportunities to re-connect and begin new ways of living and relating. You're painting a picture of a beautiful way to begin your days together. I'm guessing most couples would love to follow your lead.
I am the opposite. I've seen far more sunrises than sunsets. I have a hard time staying awake at night to watch the sunset. I think it's wonderful that you're leading a grief support group, although I think it would be so difficult, so you really have a gift for it.
Thanks so much, Linda, for inviting us into your head and heart with this post. I'm sure you have helped so many grieving people with their losses and have been God's partner in the healing process. Blessings!
It's amazing how God sends just the right people into our lives when we most need some gentle lovingkindness. Jesus with skin on. And I'm so grateful for those who've come alongside me along the way. I'm not sure where I'd be without their tender, patient companionship.
Great post especially reminding us that grief is not just about death. I’ve learned that change can be a grief process. Moving, relationship changes, job losses, etc. Right now I’m working on an essay about my own grief of huge life changes that have rocked our world. It’s hard sometimes to write about grief without it sounding angry. It’s such a process when things you planned and dreamed for are turned upside down but even in that there are so many beautiful things too. I learned many years ago about lamenting and naming your grief. Thanks Emily P Freeman.
On the bright side we have witnessed so many beautiful sunrises on the Atlantic coast. Just the other day my phone photo app created a short movie with soothing music of sunrises and sunsets we have seen over the last several years. So cool!! Your post once again reminded me of the beauty before us even when we are grieving Dancing and lamenting as scripture says.
Janet, yes, there's so much hurt/frustration/fear/disrespect aka anger in our grief, isn't there. And it's like we can heave a sigh of relief once we are able to name what we're experiencing instead of getting swallowed up by continued waves of sorrow.
Those long held dreams that don't come to be is a huge cause for lament. I look forward to reading your story some day. Meanwhile, thanks for taking the time to chat this afternoon ...
I like how you said there are so many things to grieve other than a death. People need love and support when they grieve the loss of someone in their life who is still living. That can be devastating as well.
Kate, yes. And maybe those kind of losses are the most difficult of all ...
SO beautifully spoken Linda. I always appreciate your recourses and links too.
Thank you so much for sharing with Sweet tea & Friend's October link up.
xo
So glad those resources are helpful, Paula. Thank you.
"To redefine ourselves with Joy" - you so beautifully express the effects of grief - and the joy of its release. What a beautiful ministry you lead.
Anything of value is only because of His astounding grace and lovingkindness. Maryleigh, thank you for your tender words.
“But grief encompasses so very much more, and more often than not the talking through of the death of loved ones cracks open a huge vault of other assorted griefs that have never even been named.” So true. ❤️
At first it's overwhelming when we realize all that's been tucked down under. But slowly but surely, all the pieces come together and it all begins to make sense.
"Or too absorbed by to do-lists and busyness with things that in the light of eternity will have no value at all." I so inspire for fullness, rather than busyness! Our sunrises arrive later and later in the mornings as the fall and winter seasons progress, so I do see them quite often, but often do not pause to take in their glory, and be grateful for another day dawning. You've inspired me to become more present as each of my days begins!
Oh I like this, Lynn -->'I so inspire for fullness, rather than busyness!' It's akin to aiming for excellence instead of perfection. This can be a fine line, yet when all is said and done, the heart motivations seem different. And there's a thread of peace and confidence rather than that rope of striving and craziness.
Thanks for leading us there this morning, friend. I always appreciate what you bring to the table. Happy weekend.
I've enjoyed sunrises and sunsets at various times in my life. For me, the sweetness of sunrise comes just as the light begins to brighten, before the sun breaks away from the horizon. I love the quiet, the dark shadows down in the creek bed, the glow of tree tops capturing the first rays of morning, and the first bird song to ride on the rising breeze. It IS a marvelous time of day! / How grateful your grief group must be, Linda, to have a leader who leans into their pain with compassion, discernment, and a listening ear!
Oh how you've painted the most glorious picture of early dawn, Nancy. I found myself a bit impatient in those minutes before the actual emerging of the sun. It's like I was trying to hurry up the whole process even as I was wondering if the sun was actually going to show up.
Patience has never been one of my virtues. * sigh *
We are funny creatures, aren't we, becoming impatient for something we know will happen in its own good time! 'Been there, 'done that too!
Exactly this, friend -> 'becoming impatient for something we know will happen in its own good time!'
Oh my goodness, Linda! I love that you got up to see the sunrise; few things are more glorious, in my opinion. Also, I have a feeling some of these words of yours will end up being quoted in some upcoming posts of my own. Thankful for you, friend.
It kind of warms my heart tonight as I look back and see how we've been able to offer each other words of consolation and hope when the other couldn't quite find them. I am so grateful for your presence in my life over the years. The good times, yes. But even more so, in those rough patches that seemed to last much longer than we had hoped.
ox
Ah, Linda, you are such a gift. Thank you for being faithful to your gift of listening. Such a needed thing in this world. And, btw, while we’ve been on holiday this week, I’ve gotten up to watch the sunrise each morning. Such a lovely way to begin the day. Makes me wonder why I don’t do this every day.
Each morning. Wow, Laura! I'm a bit speechless ... and kind of in awe. Most of us use our vacations to sleep in but you're modeling a better way for us. Thank you, friend.
Just this past year, after living in my house for 27 years...I have discovered sitting out on my deck, waiting for sunrise. Hubby and I made a very full life here raising kids, but had never just quietly sat out there together, sipping coffee and starting our day together. A missed opportunity, but one I am turning into habit now. (:
Gina, hi ... and welcome! It sounds like your empty nest is opening up opportunities to re-connect and begin new ways of living and relating. You're painting a picture of a beautiful way to begin your days together. I'm guessing most couples would love to follow your lead.
Bless you.
I am the opposite. I've seen far more sunrises than sunsets. I have a hard time staying awake at night to watch the sunset. I think it's wonderful that you're leading a grief support group, although I think it would be so difficult, so you really have a gift for it.
I'm going to keep you in mind next time I'm deciding whether to drag myself our of bed super early in the morning. Thanks for the motivation, Amy!
I love your heart - listening to sunrises and listening to others share their grief. Thank you for being there for them.
You encourager, you ...
Have a peaceful weekend, friend.
Ahhh....Linda. I needed this reminder to pause and enjoy the blessings of a beautiful sunrise. Thank you!
I hope you'll be able to catch the splendor soon!
Happy weekend to you, Tammy.
I thought of you this when I paused to enjoy the sunrise.☺️
I'm now awake through every night,
save for an eerie doze,
and long before the morning light
I rise, and don my clothes
and walk outside with Belle the Beast,
a wolf with golden eyes,
and look unto the mountain'd east
where soon the sun will rise.
The stillness seems like something warm,
even when the air is cold,
and I cannot conceive my harm,
even that which is foretold,
'cause predawn is like sometime, never,
a feeling that I'll live forever.
Belle the Beast has been such good company for you. Keep on walking, man ...
Good for you for listening to your body and going for a walk. I bet that sunrise and the brisk cool air was quite refreshing!
All I could think of was, 'why did it take me so long?' It was truly an awesome experience.
Thanks so much, Linda, for inviting us into your head and heart with this post. I'm sure you have helped so many grieving people with their losses and have been God's partner in the healing process. Blessings!
It's amazing how God sends just the right people into our lives when we most need some gentle lovingkindness. Jesus with skin on. And I'm so grateful for those who've come alongside me along the way. I'm not sure where I'd be without their tender, patient companionship.
Great post especially reminding us that grief is not just about death. I’ve learned that change can be a grief process. Moving, relationship changes, job losses, etc. Right now I’m working on an essay about my own grief of huge life changes that have rocked our world. It’s hard sometimes to write about grief without it sounding angry. It’s such a process when things you planned and dreamed for are turned upside down but even in that there are so many beautiful things too. I learned many years ago about lamenting and naming your grief. Thanks Emily P Freeman.
On the bright side we have witnessed so many beautiful sunrises on the Atlantic coast. Just the other day my phone photo app created a short movie with soothing music of sunrises and sunsets we have seen over the last several years. So cool!! Your post once again reminded me of the beauty before us even when we are grieving Dancing and lamenting as scripture says.
Janet, yes, there's so much hurt/frustration/fear/disrespect aka anger in our grief, isn't there. And it's like we can heave a sigh of relief once we are able to name what we're experiencing instead of getting swallowed up by continued waves of sorrow.
Those long held dreams that don't come to be is a huge cause for lament. I look forward to reading your story some day. Meanwhile, thanks for taking the time to chat this afternoon ...