My husband and I had a rare opportunity to spend quality time with our two sons, Eric and David, as Eric made a surprise visit from California this weekend. It was such a blessing to be able to catch up on what's going on in our lives with one another face-to-face and side-by-side,
Naturally, at one point in our conversations, David said "Can we believe it's been 14 years since Kevin died?" A discussion followed over a game of pool in looking back over the past 14 years and Eric said that he didn't see "good that has come out of Kevin's death."
Because of my eternal optimism, I began to recount all the blessings and good that we have experienced like their dad's and my marriage growing stronger, the blessing of my co-founding Mothers Like Me Comfort Ministry that gave me the opportunity to connect and encourage hundreds of grieving moms over a decade, and how our Faith has been strengthened and our relationship with the LORD has deepened, especially speaking for myself, as I have been intentional about drawing closer to God in my grief.
Our sons couldn't come up with good that they thought was a direct result of Kevin's death. So, we then talked about the reality that finding good has a lot to do with how each of us has responded to our loss.
When I woke up the next morning, I thought that perhaps there was a better question to be answered . . .
"What good has come SINCE Kevin's death?" If this had been the question posed, I know that there would have been a long list of blessings and good for all of us.
As is the case no matter our circumstances here on Earth, I believe it takes some serious reflection and consideration to find good that comes out of or since such a significant loss.
For me, I have found that there is always good that comes out of and since any circumstance, because God's promises never fail, even if we can't see the good, because we are blinded by grief, doubt, sorrow and pain. And, though I have suffered and know that more suffering may be ahead, because loss and suffering are simply a part of this life, I also know that if I pause to consider the grace and mercy generously extended to me throughout my life (and my family's lives), I know why I put my trust in "Christ Alone!" "For all things work together for good for those who love the LORD and are called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28
How about you? Can you find good that has come "out of or since" your loss?
With Gratitude for the Good,
Angie "a mom like me"
amotherlikeme@gmail.com
www.amotherlikeme.info
Naturally, at one point in our conversations, David said "Can we believe it's been 14 years since Kevin died?" A discussion followed over a game of pool in looking back over the past 14 years and Eric said that he didn't see "good that has come out of Kevin's death."
Because of my eternal optimism, I began to recount all the blessings and good that we have experienced like their dad's and my marriage growing stronger, the blessing of my co-founding Mothers Like Me Comfort Ministry that gave me the opportunity to connect and encourage hundreds of grieving moms over a decade, and how our Faith has been strengthened and our relationship with the LORD has deepened, especially speaking for myself, as I have been intentional about drawing closer to God in my grief.
Our sons couldn't come up with good that they thought was a direct result of Kevin's death. So, we then talked about the reality that finding good has a lot to do with how each of us has responded to our loss.
When I woke up the next morning, I thought that perhaps there was a better question to be answered . . .
"What good has come SINCE Kevin's death?" If this had been the question posed, I know that there would have been a long list of blessings and good for all of us.
As is the case no matter our circumstances here on Earth, I believe it takes some serious reflection and consideration to find good that comes out of or since such a significant loss.
For me, I have found that there is always good that comes out of and since any circumstance, because God's promises never fail, even if we can't see the good, because we are blinded by grief, doubt, sorrow and pain. And, though I have suffered and know that more suffering may be ahead, because loss and suffering are simply a part of this life, I also know that if I pause to consider the grace and mercy generously extended to me throughout my life (and my family's lives), I know why I put my trust in "Christ Alone!" "For all things work together for good for those who love the LORD and are called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28
How about you? Can you find good that has come "out of or since" your loss?
With Gratitude for the Good,
Angie "a mom like me"
amotherlikeme@gmail.com
www.amotherlikeme.info
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