Of a Serious Nature
I am deviating from my usual genre of writing because one of my readers commented recently on “The Character of Nature”, an article I wrote concerning the extremes of weather activity. That comment also suggested that I share more of my personal perspectives on grief as well as the weather.
The weather, well, this is in the authority of God and I have not yet acquired nor developed the skills to assimilate the various instabilities in weather related disasters. I can only offer my condolences and support to the victims of these calamities, along with spiritual encouragement.
Sometimes we humans wonder if God causes these disasters. It seems like God isn’t on our side, however, we still need to realize that He can be trusted. Why, because He has injected Himself into our lives by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to intercede on our behalf. This is the love of God most clearly. Martin Luther once said, “When you look around and wonder whether God cares, you must always hurry to the cross and you must see Him there’.” After we see the response from people following a natural disaster, we see a genuine and heartfelt effort to help someone in distress. This is offered freely and is a trait given to mankind by God, whether one chooses to believe it or not.“When we hear about a natural disaster we should grieve with those who grieve. And we should ask what we can do to alleviate their suffering.” http://www.Billygraham.org
As for as my thoughts on grief, well, there are literally hundreds of books and writings dealing with grief. I am not an authority on the subject and this does not in any way represent how one should or should not grieve. This is only my perspective on the subject.
Just like everyone else, I have experienced loss. It is true that grief is unpredictable and inevitable, just like the weather, as the reader commented. However, I learned a long time ago that giving in to the very feelings of grief is understandable. It is an emotion, yet we cannot allow emotions to consistently dictate the way we live our lives. I believe we should live through the experience, not in the experience. There are lessons to be learned through these encounters. However, I believe at some point one must face reality. There is no time frame for overcoming grief. I cannot tell you how you should grieve over the nature of your loss. It is very personal. And personal stories of grief are just that, personal, to be shared only when you feel the time is right. My suggestion would be to encompass the love of God in dealing with grief. David wrote in Psalm 119:50, “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life”.
Thanks to Rainee C., for commenting and allowing me an opportunity to expound on this subject. It was indeed a mind opening topic. However, do not allow the seriousness of this article to keep you from having a wonderful day.
Smile, be upbeat and check your humorous character.
rancherwriterpoet 