Grief

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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...

"What has it got in it's pocketses?"

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Asked Gollum to Bilbo, playing the guessing game that ultimately changed the fate of the world. "What has it got in it's pocketses?"

What one carries in his or her pockets may tell much about a person--or not. I learned this while working security--and believe me when I say that people carry the strangest things. Like fist-fulls of change. A gazillion coins. Or wads of cash. For Pete's sake, use a bank!

But I don't have change in my pockets. But I do keep a quarter in the overhead bin of my car for the grocery store cart.



LEFT POCKET (front):
  • Keys
  • Cleaning cloth for my glasses or phone. 
  • Life-saver mint or three.
RIGHT POCKET (front):
  • Knife. I always carry a knife. 
  • Chap Stick. 
LEFT POCKET (rear):
  • Handkerchief or Bandanna
RIGHT POCKET (rear):
  • Wallet
I ain't skeered to say where my wallet is or what's in there--'cause there ain't nothing in there but my:
  • Driver's licence
  • Insurance card
  • Library card (which I never use because I usually order my library books online and pick them up). 
  • Red Robin card
  • REI card (used it once, I think). 
  • A Doctor's card
  • An Ingles Card (in case I ever buy groceries in a city that has an Ingles)
  • An encouraging card from my wife
  • Some receipts so old they've faded
  • There might be a stamp in there somewhere. Might have to actually mail something one day--you never know
  • Oh, and a picture of my Pride and Joy


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