Death is hard.
There are so many facets to these situations that make them all one-of-a-kind. The heavenly wisdom and comfort needed is also therefore tailored to each instance.
What do you do when you have a family member passing on and yet your children still need you and your spouse still needs you?
These things do not change. In fact, during hard times, they need you all the more. And you, them.
It’s an interesting mix.
Children can be such accurate “barometers” of the atmosphere around them and can sense the smallest change, even if we think we are doing a good job managing or hiding it.
There can be more acting out. More “neediness” and whining. Some regression can happen as well and you may find your once potty-trained little one(s) may need to go back to pull-ups for a time. That’s okay.
There may be more tissues in the wastebasket and more dirty dishes sitting out, but don’t let that keep you from cuddling your children a little more and giving your spouse an extra hug and kiss.
Make some time to have a pajama day and watch movies. Eat popcorn and cereal for a meal just for fun. Find ways to laugh because laughter will strengthen everyone and help you (and them) get through this time.
It can be SO hard in the moment.
No one wants to have to say goodbye to a loved one. Especially if it seems sudden or too soon. Even when that person has lived a long and full life, it still is difficult.
Looking ahead at the year to come, and knowing all of the special holidays and family gatherings will be different, is hard.
Trying to go about daily life with that hole is hard too.
One thing I have to mention…if Jesus is in the picture, if you belong to Him and have a personal relationship with Him, there is HOPE. If the loved one who passed on also believed in Jesus and accepted Him into their heart, you WILL see them again!
The ache and the hole that is left by that person is what hurts. However, with Jesus, we don’t have to give up our lives to the grief and pain of that loss.
“Beloved brothers and sisters, we want you to be quite certain about the truth concerning those who have passed away, so that you won’t be overwhelmed with grief like many others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who died while believing in him.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 TPT
Let me also say this, if you don’t know Jesus, please let Him into your heart. You will come alive and life’s meaning will return with mountains of hope and joy!
If you’re not sure if the loved one who passed on knew Jesus or not, or if you know they did not know Jesus, bring that ache and pain to Him. Lay it at His feet, or throw it at Him…it’s okay, He can handle it and He LOVES you so much!!!
Jesus will heal your heart, guaranteed.
He loves you. And, He loves the person you just lost.
His peace and comfort will surround you like a warm blanket and soften the noise and jarring loss like the peace and stillness of a quiet snow.
I know we will never forget those who have passed on that we loved so much, but let us also look to the future with hope. It still is bright, God’s plans are still good, and we are never alone.
Love and blessings,
Kristi
Xoxoxo
The Motherhood Revolution™ 