Cry

We all have experienced loss at one point or another in our life. Whether it was the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a business deal, or even a dream, the heartache that follows is inevitable. The healing process for some takes days, months and even years. Sometimes in the midst of an ordinary day, those bottled up emotions can get the best of us. It is times like those, when the best thing to do it cry. Grieving is a natural process to help us overcome our circumstances. Last week was my time to cry.
It was as simple as a phone call from a distant stranger. Her voice was warm and loving and her words took me back to a reality I have managed to avoid for the last few months. It was an effortless hello followed by a few choice words of heartfelt encouragement. She knew her. She loved her. She too missed her.
My grandma, as crazy and flamboyant as she was, served as an undeniable light in this world. Her laughter was contagious, her support genuine, and timing inconvenient yet perfect all in one. I am reminded of her through smells of gardenia and cigarettes, aquamarine stones, pink nail polish, Olive Garden, and the 700 Club. She was the voice of reassurance when my dreams seemed too far from my reach, and the long distance hug I needed when this world would try to bring me down. Every birthday, holiday and minor life event was celebrated in her cards, which would then be proceeded by a tearful phone call. Today, in the middle of a busy morning, the voice of distant friend pulled on the strings of my heart and reminded me that my dreams weren’t laid to rest with my grandma.
The rest of my day was accompanied by tears, joyful memories and faith that no one is ever forgotten. We all have experienced loss. Let each tear that falls bring you closer to healing.
“Blessed are those who mourn. They will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Seasons

Summer has quickly faded into the cool days of autumn. Trees are trading the bright green colors of summer for beautiful yellow and orange leaves that will soon fall from the branches that created them onto the ground we walk on. Mornings bring with them early signs of winter, as the evening sky’s darkness drags on, almost encouraging us to stay in bed. The sunny days of summer are disappearing, and colder darker days lay ahead. The seasons are changing. Each day is like a masterful work of art, and we are the guest of honor. It’s strange to see how the world is always evolving, yet it continues to stay the same. Each year we experience seasons. The bright warm colors of summer, transform into the golden designs of fall. Naked trees lay almost to rest under the white blankets of winter, anxiously waiting to be awakened by the refreshing rain of spring. With each raindrop comes new life, just in time for yet another glowing summer. Each season comes as a reminder that ever part of our lives serves a purpose. Each change brings with it the promise of better days. We are always growing and changing. You may feel as though you are stuck in the darkest day of winter, but know that to every thing there is a season.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”