Good morning…
On Saturday afternoon, I received his email. A tried and true friend, his words always boost me.
“Hi, Sue,” he wrote. “I encourage you to read Patricia Holbrook’s column on page C2 of today’s AJC, entitled ‘When grief teaches us to live without regret.’ I particularly like these words: ‘For those of us left behind, though, grief is real and raw. And that is OK. Faith does not erase sorrow; it steadies us inside it. It lifts our gaze beyond the grave.'”
The article continues: “As Matthew Henry once wrote, ‘There is a time when God‘s Providence calls to weep and mourn, but then on the other hand, there is a time when God calls to cheerfulness.’ I know that time will come. Laughter will rise again – not because the ache is gone, but because God is faithful to restore joy. If you are grieving today, may I gently encourage you: don’t rush the season. Don’t silence your tears. Jesus dignified our weeping, and heaven honors our ache. Let your tears fall as prayers. And while you walk this valley, hold close the ones who are still here. Call them. Forgive them. Laugh with them. Be silly with them. Linger longer at the table and listen well. Because one day, the phone call will come, and the chair will be empty. And when that day comes, I pray that you and I will be able to look back and sing the chorus I now whisper in grateful prayer: no regrets, Lord. Not one.”
For the sadness that is used by God brings a change of heart that leads to salvation—and there is no regret in that! (2 Corinthians 7:10a, GNT).
Lingering longer and listening well, might we learn from seasons of grief to live without regret?
…Sue…
