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...

It Can Happen To You, But It Doesn't Have To

“Make sure you’re not made ‘Emperor,’ avoid that imperial stain. It can happen to you, so keep yourself simple, good, pure, saintly, plain, a friend of justice, God- fearing, gracious, affectionate, and strong for your proper work. Fight to remain the person that philosophy [the love of wisdom] wished to make you." (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.30)

"Because I'm the (title), that's why!" is a sign that a person has lost sight of identity and purpose. Don't let success (or lack of it) influence and change your character. Pursue wisdom and make your mark on the world from the inside out. 

Marcus Aurelius was hand-picked for the job of being god-among-men. He was not born into the position nor did he aspire after the title; nevertheless, his predecessor saw what he could become and Emperor he became. Marcus left the above-written note for himself as a reminder to not let it go to his head (in so many words) but to be shaped by wisdom. 

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