When I'm really tired out, I remind myself that's when the enemy goes in for the kill. I no longer pick that time to, say, finally delve into topics with my spouse that's bugged me for months... It's best if I just stop everything I can, rest and regroup... and refortify! I rebuild my arsenal of "ammunition" to fight the war of grief, and it's prerequisite to fighting ALL battles, I feel. It certainly helps us to fight our battles more successfully--feeling empowered and RESTED--rather than tired and risking "defeat." One thing's for sure over the years of bereavement...I've definitely had to think of myself as "a soldier." Remember though, Jesus has already won the ultimate "battle"!
There was an old TV commercial years ago that announced quite dramatically, "If I have only one life to live...let me LIVE IT AS A BLOND!!!"
I feel that if "I" have only one (earthly) life to live, then let me live it the most "abundantly" that I can!
For me, "abundantly" means focusing ALOT on the joy of Reunion during my earthly life. It has been a key to my survival. The fact that my children are NOT dead...their mortal bodies "are sleeping"-- but their Spirits are more fully alive than I could ever imagine. They truly LIVE.
Jesus tells us ..."I came that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." in John 10:10 ...(King James Bible)--Not only abundantly for us in THIS life ...but also for our children now transitioned. Theirs is truly an abundance beyond measure.
As bereaved Moms, we are not relegated to just plodding through life, merely grinning and bearing it... but it is possible-- through Jesus-- to live life... ABUNDANTLY!
~~~DEFINITIONS AND SYNONYMS OF "ABUNDANTLY"~~~ Amply; Profusely; In large quantities; Extremely; Galore; Plentifully; Amply Supplied.
..."I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 (NIV)
..."My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."
John 10:10 (New Living Translation)
Jesus is our only Way to have the kind of joy that makes life "abundant!" If we ask, He will freely give us His joy...a grace-filled joy that is unlike any other. He spoke of this joy and His desire to share it with us-- shortly before dying from a gruesome, torturous death of which He was fully aware was waiting for Him. THAT'S the kind of joy I want! Only He can give that to us. A sustaining joy. One that can support us through the long haul of bereavement. All we need do is to ... "Keep asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete." John 16:24 (International Standard Version)
Love in Christ, Donna
