Grief

Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Auld Lang Syne (For The Sake of Old Times)

 The Beatles captured perfectly the meaning of “auld Lang syne” in their obscure little song titled “The Two of Us”. This one stanza is at the heart:

“You and I have memories

That stretches out ahead”


Memories are precious, because over time, the bad ones fade away. You remember someone showing you a heart made with their hands in a backward look; a trip to the zoo or a park. Maybe an unexpected meeting of an old friend; meaningful conversation; music. Maybe decorating for the holidays or throwing a party, the humor of a private joke, a very expensive meal; a concert; a family reunion, a scent ...


Memories give hope when used properly. 


Books do both. They look back and look ahead. This is why I love the classics. A quote is one thing, an idea we like to carry forward, but reading the source material is another, looking back. 


Head into a blessed new year with good books. Make new memories! Look ahead with curiosity and interest! For the sake of old times, read a book. Always.


Happy New Year!



Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881). “Inaugural Address at Edinburgh.” Vol. 25, pp. 364-374 of The Harvard Classics

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