Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. – Psalm 30:5
I couldn’t appreciate the light without the presence of darkness. I couldn’t seek comfort without going through the suffering. Without the bitter I wouldn’t appreciate the sweet. And without the suffering, I would never experience true joy.
My mind has been preoccupied the past week with memories of those I love that are no longer with me. I miss talking with them on the phone. I miss opening up their cards and letters. I miss the many occasions to celebrate with them, be it from afar or the blessing of their physical presence. I miss their laughter and their tears. I miss their encouragement and support. But most of all, I miss their love and kindness.
I just… miss them.
Grief’s lesson is a hard one for us. It often comes without warning, like an intruder who’s found his way into our homes. He shows up unannounced, taking us hostage for a while. As he stands guard over us, we feel so vulnerable and threatened by his presence. We think of every way possible to escape him, but it’s hopeless.
After this has gone on for a day or two, he becomes friendly and makes conversation with us. He tells us very little about himself, as he’s much more interested in learning about us. And one by one, he offers to let each of us go. Some of us are released within a few weeks, others within a few months, and for some perhaps even years. Then finally the day comes when he tells the remaining hostages that they’re free to leave. “Go!” he tells them. “You’ve served your time. You’re free to go.”
But sadly, if not tragically, they’ve been held up in this place in their life for so long that they refuse to leave. It’s the only life they now know. So they choose to stay.
As we approach the coming celebration of Christ with our family and friends, let us not forget those who we’ve lost. But perhaps even more importantly, let us not forget those who have become lost because of sadness and loneliness. While it is indeed a time of rejoicing for most of us, this is not the case for all of us.
Former Blackout Artist 