Have you lost someone dear to you? Grieve, yes, but allow God to turn your grief into joy — in His time - Daily Bible Reflections May 29,2014

GRIEVING NO MORE

 

“You will grieve, but your grief will become joy.” – John 16:20

 

Ten years ago, we lost our beloved mother to cancer. I thought I’d never be able to get over my grief.

       She was a strong presence in my life — always there to listen to me whenever I felt lost or confused, or even when I was just rambling on.

       Losing her left a big vacuum in my life. Grief was a stranger I was forced to embrace.

       Anyone who has experienced losing someone dear would probably agree with me that the first year is the most difficult. First birthday without her. First Christmas without her. And many other firsts celebrated without her.

       But soon the years rolled on. And so did my life.

       I remember her now, not with sorrow or grief, but with love and joy — and with gratitude for what she had been to us. We celebrate her birthday or death anniversary with a feast — sometimes a feast of her favorite dishes, or the food she used to cook for us.

       With joy, we remember her passing and thank God that He allowed us to see His face through her — just as He did when He sent Jesus to us. Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Have you lost someone dear to you? Grieve, yes, but allow God to turn your grief into joy — in His time.

 

Thank You, Lord, for keeping me company in my time of grief.

 

St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, pray for us.