facing grief

In the moment…

All your circumstances are in the hand of God, so never think it strange concerning the circumstances you're in.
    -Oswald Chambers

This has been a time of 'strangeness' for many people- the markets, the scary realities of our post-modern world that seem to sit just off stage with evil eyes, waiting to pounce. I can say the same for my own family life- strange happenings, unexpected realities. I know of others for who this is true as well. I attended the wake for the mother of a distant friend, and there was a tiny two week old baby in the same room. The glorious promise of it made my chest hurt, a deep, thudding, throbbing promise. On one side of the room, Death. A life snuffed out. On the other side of the room, Life. In all its dazzling newness.

At the beginning of a week, in the middle of an uncertain month, in the middle of an uncertain season, nearing the end of a wearying year, that tiny little child in the face of death reminded me Who holds the season, Who holds time. I do not hold it- no, I dare not. But I should, and will, trust in Him, and in His timing, and in His ways.  His light is all I need in a darkening world.

"In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." (John 1:4-5)

2 Comments

  • joannabug

    Yes.
    I went to a viewing for my uncle’s father who passed away suddenly, and we brough our twin babies. I wasn’t sure about bringing them, whether it would seem inappropriate with as babbly and loud as they can be these days, but we both wanted to be there.
    Everyone seemed so comforted just by their presence. They were held, hugged, and snuggled, and it did seem life-affirming somehow. I can’t really explain it well.

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