Seven Years Later

This image describes grief so well.

As I woke up this morning, I quickly realized what day it was: the day my world stopped turning in the direction it had been going for seven years and took on a whole new direction. I always know that this day is approaching. I try to prepare my mind and heart for it the very best I can. Seven years ago today was one of the very worst days I as a parent had to endure. `I had a sweet friend describe grief this week to me as we were talking about grief. She said, "Grief is like wearing a heavy backpack; it's always there, but as you continue to carry it, it becomes easier to carry." This analogy hit me right where I needed it to hit. Your muscles become stronger as you walk with the load, but the load doesn't change. Grief is the never-ending backpack this side of heaven.

---

My sister came over to my house one day this week, and we were talking about how September 21st is coming, and she quickly said, "It's not Friday, is it?" I realized in that moment how deeply the day had affected her journey. When grief hits your life in such a sudden way, the trauma of it is also tucked away within that backpack. Deaths that occur when you are just going about your normal life send such a shock that it takes time to overcome the shock.

As you continue down the grief road, the strength you gain is called endurance. While carrying the backpack your endurance improves, you can keep going day after day. I have been pondering that this is seven years now on the grief road. I know that seven is the number of completion. I know that all of creation was complete and the Lord rested on the seventh day. I really want to learn to rest in grief even as I walk out this seventh year. I will still have my backpack but to endure theres also a time to rest.

I want to encourage each of you walking along the grief road, yes, we will always have our backpack here. We must endure, but we can also give this load to Jesus and He will help us carry the burden (backpack) called grief. You are not alone on this road.

The Lord has given us a scriptural promise, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” This promise is found in Hebrews 13:5 and is also a direct quote from Deuteronomy 31:6 The Lord (Yahweh) has promised to never abandon you if you are His child.

I am going to end this blog today, with John 16:33 (Jesus speaking) I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Jesus has overcome death, Jesus is the helper to help you carry your backpack (grief).

Follow me as I follow Jesus,

Down the Grief Road,

Tracey Lynn