I am always surprised when grief resurfaces in my life in an unexpected manner at an unexpected time. I can be pedaling along smoothly, only to trip on someone’s harsh words or on an odd remembrance to find my heart filled with pain.
The edges of family relationships bump against each other; and rather than fitting together in proper jigsaw fashion, they seem to pile up like old ice – cold and harsh – on the shores of a northern lake. The pain of misunderstanding robs my heart of warmth, mourning for what could have been, and praying for what I hope will yet be.
I wonder why maturity and empathy come to some and not to others, why sympathy rises for a co-worker but not for a family member, or why exclusion rather than inclusion is the default behavior of choice. And the pain continues to rise. What is my response to these spots of grief that, at times, melt together? How do I encourage my own heart and the hearts near me that also beat in pain?
Scripture verses float to the top of my consciousness. Verses such as Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord you God will go with you wherever you may go.” He will go with me, even into grief, relationships, and nameless difficulties.
