Life Goes On

Several weeks ago, I had the joy of spending a week at the beach with my children and grandchildren. I awoke each morning to the sounds of Jay grinding coffee beans, Griffith’s stage whisper, and snippets of singing and laughter. That week with my family was just what I needed to recharge, reset, and resume forward motion.

After we checked in, I struggled emotionally when I realized we were in the same unit where we stayed the last time Jim was with us. I went to my room, took a few deep breaths, and prayed for strength to navigate the week despite feelings of grief and nostalgia. I heard words whispered within my spirit, life goes on and so must you. These words helped me move forward and enjoy every moment of our family time together.

Grieving is for a Season

I firmly believe the grief process is different for each of us. For some, grief follows a logical progression; for others, the path is anything but linear. No matter what your grief journey encompasses, it is only for a season, unless you allow grief to define you for the rest of your life.

While we stop to grieve, time marches forward. Eventually, we must move forward, too.

Joy is Eternal

I can’t help but be joyful when I am with my grandchildren. They are hilariously funny, but their emotions can shift rapidly when they are tired, or they perceive some sort of slight.

In these months of grief, I’ve experienced great joy that suddenly turns to tears. I’ve had days when I want the company of others as well as times when home is my haven and hideout. Among the lessons I’ve learned through grief is joy and happiness are not the same. It’s possible to grieve while remaining joyful. I can mourn and sing praises at the same time.

When challenges and hardships of this world threaten to weigh me down, I remember eternal joy is mine now, and in my future home above. There, in eternity, tears and sighing will be no more.

Watch for God to do Something New

Shortly after Jim’s death, a mentor told me something I’ve clung to: “Now, God is going to do something new with your life.” I am experiencing some of the new things God is doing, but I believe there is more to come, plans for my life that are still in progress.

No matter what you are currently facing, or have recently lived through, life moves forward. Life goes on despite heartache and heartbreak. The delicate balance of simultaneously processing, grieving, navigating, and living a forward-looking life requires prayer and a positive focus on the future rather than constant backward glances. Yes, remember, but also, look ahead to all God has in store for your next season, your next chapter.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19 ESV).

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Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).

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