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Writer's pictureLeAnn Petterson

Meeting the Father in Seasons of Loss - Part 4

A Time for Every Season


"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance..." Ecclesiastes 3:1,4


Your loss is valid. It's okay to weep, wail, and grieve. You can even yell. Your Heavenly Father can handle it. So can the Social Security worker, police officer, and medical doctor.


Not given to outward shows of emotion, I was quite surprised to find myself bawling as the young man at the Social Security office had me check the box, "widow." He passed me a tissue. There's a time to cry.


The second time I was surprised by grief was the day of my loved one's burial. I didn't even realize how fast I sped across those familiar back country roads until I was stopped by the flashing lights of the squad car. As I reached for proof of insurance, the tears filled and rolled down my eyes. I couldn't even see to find the insurance card. He gave me time and space to gather myself as I dug through the glove box. There's a time to cry.


The third time I exhibited my grief publicly was at the doctor's office. She had traveled through 20 years of life with me. She listened. There's a time to cry.


Life brings seasons of loss: The loss of health, job, hopes, expectations, friendships, financial security, the loss of a loved one...loss happens. How we choose to respond to such loss is on us, nobody else. The Father is available and we need to use the resources he's given us. If you need help, ask Him, ask a neighbour, ask a member of your church or community. You have not because you ask not. In my experience, most people want to do something to help, and beyond a doubt, God wants to help.


Yes, there's a time for weeping and mourning. There's also a time to laugh and to dance. You're not being disloyal to move forward with your life. God has assignments yet waiting for you to begin. Start using your God-given talents to complete the assignments that await. Move forward. It's okay to laugh.


Heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful seasons of life. Yes, some are easier than others, but your love gives each of us our future hope. Help us to fully morn our loss, but to move forward in the calling and assignments you have for each of our lives. Thank you Father that because of Jesus, we are free to cry and mourn, even as we laugh and dance. It's okay to dance.

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