OPEN TO NEW BEGINNINGS
Grief, loss and death are three issues that each of us will have to face during our lifetime. So often when we hear the word “grief”, we equate it with the death of someone that we love. Truthfully, LOSING something of value to us also evokes a season of grief. Losing a cherished job...a failed relationship...health challenges... losing your home...These life issues also trigger grief. Although grief is a normal response to these life issues, God NEVER intended for us to allow grieving to become a lifestyle. Many of us have remained so focused on what we have LOST that we do not APPRECIATE what we have LEFT! We refuse to celebrate certain holidays and events because we experienced a significant loss during that time. For many years I became very depressed around Valentine’s Day. When I was 16 ½ years old, I received my very first Valentine’s gift from a young man. I was in heaven so to speak. I floated through school all day as though I was walking on air. When I arrived home, my grandparents were at the house. They had very solemn expressions on their faces, and I felt my heart drop!! My Mom had surgery earlier in the day and died during the procedure, but God intervened and brought her back. However, my beloved Aunt Anna, my number one supporter and cheerleader died in her sleep. To add insult to injury, the same boyfriend who gifted me on February 14th, broke up with me on February 15th! Years later, my Brother-In-Love unexpectedly made his transition on Valentine’s Day. I HATED Valentine’s Day! I began to shut down each time I faced loss or disappointment, I would nurse the grief and focus on what and who I used to have in my life.
As I grew SPIRITUALLY, I began to recognize that my response to linger on my losses was counterproductive, Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 tells us that there is a season for ALL things. Although we mourn, we must also rejoice. Although we are in pain, we must also be open to healing. When we spend too much time having a pity party about what we no longer have, we lose the opportunity to have new begonnings. We close ourselves off from the possibilities of new career paths, new relationships, new adventures. We cannot be afraid to step back out there after being disappointed! Joshua 1:9 tells us to be strong and courageous for the Lord is with us. This year, I decided to begin saying “YES” to new opportunities and adventures. I have also learned to be THANKFUL and GRATEFUL for what and who I have left. I have learned the value of RELEASING my hurt to God and as stated in Lamentations 3:32, allow His unfailing love and compassion engulf me. Opening myself up to new opportunities has allowed me to find opportunities to SERVE others and to spend QUALITY time with my loved ones. I have even been able develop NEW relationships and nurture some existing ones. Psalms 147: 3 tells us that God heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds. I submit to you that He does it through RELATIONSHIPS, both NATURAL and SPIRITUAL. I am truly learning how to enjoy and appreciate my CURRENT life. I am excited to see what my next new opportunity will be...how about you?
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