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
4 comments:
Yes, I agree...I have joy in my heart and soul, knowing Christ as my Savior who died for me but the happiness I could have had is gone. I wish that the peace was with me everyday but it isn't. Some days the devil is IN the details of all that I do and think. I am so glad for the mercy and grace of God who knows that and forgives me in my humanness. Thank you dear Donna, for all you do in the name of Lord and Savior. You have been a blessing to me and others by your outlook on tragedy as a Christian.
I am looking forward to reading more. Donna your journey of loss and healing has always been an inspiration to me. Love to you and your children, Linda
What I had to do to regain happiness Dale, was to practice making a complete change of focus on what I thought about! Some days were definitely easier than other days to practice this new change of focus...I found it helped me alot (and still does regarding anything sad or worrisome) to make a constant effort to push out negative thoughts that came to mind-- as much (and as quickly) as possible-- and to replace them with the "Sword of the Spirit"--God's words of Hope, particularly those of restoration and reunion. And "Nothing is impossible with God" coupled with Trust with a capital T I found was (and still is) my "go-to" verse! How wonderful our God is that He loves us all, warts and all...the NDE I had made that so very clear... that we could do nothing to separate us from His all encompassing, forgiving LOVE! Our children are HAPPY!
Thank you Linda. I learn something from each and every bereaved Mom that I meet...both online and in person. You have inspired me also! Don't forget to check out "The Daily Puppy"on the Home Page! Those little cuties are inspirational in their own way! :-)
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