Endings and goodbyes are hard. So often, when we experience them, we want to ignore the sadness or push it down deep, or busy ourselves. However, grieving has an important purpose spiritually. There is no need to be afraid of grief and sadness because it is part of life and God is with us in it.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
What has ended for you that might need to be grieved and then released so you can experience a new beginning? Health? Job? Hopes? Dreams?
I love this prayer, by Arianne Braithwaite Lehn from Ash and Starlight – prayers for the chaos and grace of daily life.
When I'm Grieving a Goodbye
Compassionate One,
Be with me in my goodbyes.
When I'm asked to open my hands and
release what I've held-
held tightly-
place your peace between the fingers.
Put your comfort in
the cracks and crevices of my heart.
Use my falling tears
as nourishment for
this ground of grief,
bearing fruit for
a new season
also promising sweetness.
Amen.
There is a time for everything and Lord, we ask you to help us open our hands in goodbyes so that we can release. We thank you for the gift of release and the opportunity it brings for beautiful new beginnings.
The Erickson family will grieve, and then we will move forward carrying that ember of family love to our new home…bearing fruit for a new season and enjoying the sweetness.
Peace,
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