This morning I pondered this question: "Is there something unique about the completion of the seventh year of grief?" Why am I seemingly more weepy, less motivated? Why does my couch seem more comforting than being with people? Why do I feel like I'm walking through quicksand? Why Lord did "I Will Rise" come on the radio in the car last night? If I would not have literally said, "Stop it Dianna!" I would have had to pull over. See, that was the song so beautifully sung at the memorial service....I remember (what I wish I could forget) my arms around my youngest son singing those words, "I will rise when he calls my name....no more sorrow, no more pain..." into his ear. Dear God, the grief and numbness.....I will never forget....
I'm guessing that just about everyone who's suffered loss thinks as the years go by grieving the "anniversary" might, just maybe, slip by with minimal discomfort. Like we can trick our brain into thinking it's not THAT day.
Today is Mother's Day. Seven years ago today was the last day I walked into church on the arm of the man I had loved for 41 years. I remember my new dress and the shirt he picked out to match that dress. More than anything though is remembering the joy on his face. He had only been going to church with me for nine months but in those short months he, like was always so easy for him, had gotten to know people and felt right at home. Those, literally were the happiest days of my life. Seven years later I still want THAT joy back.
I began to dig into the number seven. I read articles that talked about cells turning over every seven years and I thought, "Ah ha!! I AM experiencing something different." That's grief...always trying to explain it....but alas not so...just as many articles debunked that notion. So that's not it.....
Did you know that a woman goes through seven hormonal cycles in a lifetime? Interesting...but that's not it either.....
Did you know the number seven is significant in scripture?
"The number seven is especially prominent in Scripture, appearing over 700 times. From the seven days of Creation to the many “sevens” in Revelation, the number seven connotes such concepts as completion and perfection, exoneration and healing, and the fulfillment of promises and oaths."
Fascinating full article here:
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-is-the-biblical-significance-of-the-number-7.html
What might the "sevens" teach me about my walk through grief?
Completion and Perfection
I can take great comfort that Christ's crucifixion actually completed for me, the promise of eternal life. It sealed the promise that I will be reunited with my beloved. I will be made new and perfect. No more crying.... (Revelation 21:4)
Exoneration and Healing
When Jesus tells Peter to forgive seventy times seven he gives the example of how he forgives me. Infinity! Without limits! In an ever changing world Jesus shows me consistency. I can count on him! Take it to the bank! It's a done deal! I am forever sealed. And the healing power? Oh, though my heart is broken I am never alone. Never unloved. Never out of sight.
Fulfillment of Promises & Oaths
There is no one on this earth that will not disappoint me, grieve me, sadden me or fail me at some point in time. We are imperfect human beings in the need of a Savior! There is not a single promise, from the rainbow after the flood to the wiping of every tear that either has been or will be fulfilled exactly as it it written in God's Word.
Today is a particularly hard day.....and the days to follow aren't going to be any easier. I miss him. I miss us. I miss doing life with him. I always will. There will never not be a Mother's Day when I won't see us walking into church together. The smiles on our faces, the joy in our hearts. It hurts.
But Jesus ...
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
"Our sorrow is like the sadness of seeing someone off on a long trip, knowing you will see them again, but not for a long time."
(EWC)
Until that day I'll rest in the arms of Jesus....
I'm guessing that just about everyone who's suffered loss thinks as the years go by grieving the "anniversary" might, just maybe, slip by with minimal discomfort. Like we can trick our brain into thinking it's not THAT day.
Today is Mother's Day. Seven years ago today was the last day I walked into church on the arm of the man I had loved for 41 years. I remember my new dress and the shirt he picked out to match that dress. More than anything though is remembering the joy on his face. He had only been going to church with me for nine months but in those short months he, like was always so easy for him, had gotten to know people and felt right at home. Those, literally were the happiest days of my life. Seven years later I still want THAT joy back.
I began to dig into the number seven. I read articles that talked about cells turning over every seven years and I thought, "Ah ha!! I AM experiencing something different." That's grief...always trying to explain it....but alas not so...just as many articles debunked that notion. So that's not it.....
Did you know that a woman goes through seven hormonal cycles in a lifetime? Interesting...but that's not it either.....
Did you know the number seven is significant in scripture?
"The number seven is especially prominent in Scripture, appearing over 700 times. From the seven days of Creation to the many “sevens” in Revelation, the number seven connotes such concepts as completion and perfection, exoneration and healing, and the fulfillment of promises and oaths."
Fascinating full article here:
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-is-the-biblical-significance-of-the-number-7.html
What might the "sevens" teach me about my walk through grief?
Completion and Perfection
I can take great comfort that Christ's crucifixion actually completed for me, the promise of eternal life. It sealed the promise that I will be reunited with my beloved. I will be made new and perfect. No more crying.... (Revelation 21:4)
Exoneration and Healing
When Jesus tells Peter to forgive seventy times seven he gives the example of how he forgives me. Infinity! Without limits! In an ever changing world Jesus shows me consistency. I can count on him! Take it to the bank! It's a done deal! I am forever sealed. And the healing power? Oh, though my heart is broken I am never alone. Never unloved. Never out of sight.
Fulfillment of Promises & Oaths
There is no one on this earth that will not disappoint me, grieve me, sadden me or fail me at some point in time. We are imperfect human beings in the need of a Savior! There is not a single promise, from the rainbow after the flood to the wiping of every tear that either has been or will be fulfilled exactly as it it written in God's Word.
Today is a particularly hard day.....and the days to follow aren't going to be any easier. I miss him. I miss us. I miss doing life with him. I always will. There will never not be a Mother's Day when I won't see us walking into church together. The smiles on our faces, the joy in our hearts. It hurts.
But Jesus ...
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
"Our sorrow is like the sadness of seeing someone off on a long trip, knowing you will see them again, but not for a long time."
(EWC)
Until that day I'll rest in the arms of Jesus....
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