Grief & Sorrow

When our precious child is living the SSA lifestyle, it can cause much sorrow and grief to pile up in our hearts. While that is normal, we never want to allow that grief to overshadow our lives. It will taint our lives, to some degree, but it must never completely cover our hope, joy, and peace.

This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Find ways to set aside the pain every chance you get, while continuing to stand in the gap in prayer for your child.

Following are some ways to experience and preserve the good in the midst of the pain:

Spend time pursuing fun times with loved ones.
Give yourself permission to laugh.
Make a gratitude list. There is MUCH for which to be grateful!
Focus on whatever good you see in your life or the lives of others.
Celebrate the good stuff every chance you get!
Take a walk in a beautiful setting, near a stream or river or sea.
Get outside and get moving! Breathe in the beauty of Abba’s creation all around you.
Send a note of encouragement to someone else who is going through a difficult time. We can’t give encouragement away without getting some of it on us!
Listen to uplifting music and get up and dance to it! Or play worship music and worship God for the amazing, kind, loving Father He is–no matter what.
Snuggle up or play with a beloved pet. Animals give a special kind of love, comfort, and joy. They are God’s unique gifts to us!
Open your curtains or blinds on sunny days and let the light in!
Move forward with something good in your life that you’ve been putting off. Seize the day!
Decorate your home with fresh, bright colored flowers. If you can’t afford to buy them, look for wildflowers to pick, or visit a friend’s garden or the local botanical garden. Remind yourself there is always beauty even in times of pain.
Force yourself to smile. The simple act of smiling is an act of faith that the body instinctively responds to. (Try it and see!)
Below are photos of some of the little things in my life that bring me joy.

Life goes on, even when we experience pain. Joy and pain CAN co-exist! Find ways to find joy today.