I grew up rural. Not remote, just rural. Our classmate friendships go back to Kindergarten and Jr. High days. One of the reasons I have not left Facebook is because I love feeling more connected with friends, family and loved ones back home. The past week has brought shared grief and spared grief, too.
A close friend lost her Mom and celebrated her life last Friday and Saturday. Friends and family gathered to remember a life well lived and to share in the grief. It was good to gather together and remember.
Another dear friend's Dad and Step-Mom were spared in the tornadoes in Kentucky. They were a little worse for the wear, but they were spared. (Thank you, Jesus, for that mercy.)
Yesterday, a childhood friend and classmate lost his wife to cancer. We all grew up together. She was a sweetheart. I know his heart breaks along with their sons. We pray for their comfort and peace as they walk through these first days of mourning. Grief is exhausting.
I remember the poem by Henry Van Dyke:
Time is
Too Slow for those who Wait,
Too Swift for those who Fear,
Too Long for those who Grieve,
Too Short for those who Rejoice;
But for those who Love,
Time is not.
Time doesn't run out on love. Love lives on. We keep the memories protected deep inside our hearts.
Again... Romans 12:15 is perfect:
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
The moments between life and death... we are standing on holy ground. Pause and ponder. Some griefs we are spared and others we share. Both help shape us.
Today, I am grateful for shared grief and spared grief
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