Grief is hard. It’s one of the most heart wrenching, gut wrenching things one experiences in life. Eventually that pain lessens just a little and it’s not quite as painful. But it’s always going to be there.
In fact, that’s the thing. It’s so hard to move on without the person we lost. Yet life moves on! Therefore, in the midst of grief, it’s especially important to look at our pictures, share our memories, etc. There’s something holy about hearing their voice or laugh. There’s something holy about clinging to those sweet memories that remind us of the love we shared together. There’s something holy about moving forward while also remembering the past.
The truth is grief is the price of love. I saw this quote on Facebook the other day and it captures grief so well. The quote said, “Grief never ends, but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.”
Indeed, grief is the price of love. We were gifted by the love of the ones we lost. And we are loved by God who promises to never leave us or forsake us. In fact, God loved us so much God sent God’s one and only son into the world for all of Gods beloved people. We are all blessed and loved by the cloud of witnesses God brings into our lives.
The price of love shapes us into new people who have been formed and shaped by the losses in our life. Like the Japanese art kintsugi, God lets the light shine through our brokenness. We are shaped and changed by our losses.
So, my friends, look at those photos of those you are missing. Share memories. Tell stories and remember them always. Because grief is the price of love and these memories/these photos help us to always remember who loved us.
I never heard of the Japanese art of kintsugi. So I looked it up. Wow, the parallel to God “mending ” our broken places is powerful.
This is so hard to do: “There’s something holy about moving forward while also remembering the past.” And yet, viewing it as holy work gives me a new perspective on grieving well.
I shared this on FB and Twitter.
I love kintsugi! Thanks for sharing on FB and Twitter!
So much yes and amen! Grief is the price of love… I love that! It proves that we loved and love still… and when it feels like a heavy burden… well, we know Who to take that to! Love you, friend! Praying for you as you write this month on grief… in the midst of grieving!
Yes!! Love you too friend!
I love the quote you included; that grief is the price of love. So true! We love…therefore, as we grieve one whom we have lost, that is the price of loving that person. I see it! Thank you for your sharing your words.
Thanks!
Oh, I love that thought! Grief is the price of love. I also like your advice about remembering as a way to help us through our periods of great grief.
Thanks!
Oh, Tara, this is sooooo good and I know you speak from the pain of grief. Thank you so much for sharing from your heart. ” Because grief is the price of love and these memories/these photos help us to always remember who loved us.” Amen
Blessings to you, dear sister! xo
Thanks! Blessings to you too. xo