Grief

We have all experienced bad things in life. Perhaps they were a result of our own bad choices, perhaps we were just indirectly affected by someone else's bad choice. Regardless, there isn't a person who has walked this Earth without experiencing pain, hurt and even death. 

I ran across something the other day that said this:

"Accepting, allowing and embracing the grieving process is not only healthy, it is part of life and living efficiently. Grief must come to its own ending. We can't force it into our schedule."

I have run into a few people who act like the world is perfect. I know their intention is good and to inspire hope within another person. But sometimes it comes across insensitive. I've learned, though, that I can sometimes be that person. If someone comes to me with problems, concerns, pain, I immediately become the "fix it" person with a positive attitude and assurance of hope. 

But I am reminding myself of the times when I'm in the other shoes... when I'm grieving...when I'm in pain. While I know the hope that is there for me. My Savior has promised me life - a life (beyond the pain of this world) of fulfillment and peace. I know in the midst of my grief that when it is time for me to be with my Heavenly Father, all will be restored. Sometimes, though, it is difficult to get through situations in life. 

I was thinking about my friend who recently miscarried her second child. She was past the first trimester and all seemed fine until she went in for a routine ultrasound when she learned her baby had passed. Sometimes we just can't force ourselves to be done with the grieving process. It's not healthy and efficient for us.  I think if we are to force it, it just resurfaces and enables a roller coaster of good and bad moments. When we let the grieving process happen, we will still experience good and bad days, but we allow the healing and restoration that God gives us in HIS time. 

So I've felt challenged recently to be more aware that grieving happens in different ways for different people. While our intentions are probably good to help a sister or brother see the light, sometimes God gives us the opportunity to just 'be there' for them. Sometimes we're brought together to allow God work in His wonderful ways intertwining two people who would not otherwise connect. Keeping in mind that we shouldn't try to rush the grieving process. Sometimes we should just listen and care and love and be that shoulder to cry on.