Good Grief (Part 2)

I first came across the title “Good Grief” last year, during one of the most difficult seasons of our lives—the loss of our youngest son. Today, I saw that same title again in Our Daily Bread, and it stopped me in my tracks.

The freshness of grief brings with it a flood of emotions—sadness, despair, shock, guilt, regret, even anger. These feelings often stem from the struggle to accept that someone we love is truly gone, and the haunting question of whether we’ll ever feel whole again.

As I paused to read the devotional, I found myself deeply grateful for God’s steadfast love. His mercy and grace continue to carry us, even as we walk through the valleys of loss. He teaches us, comforts us, and holds us as we learn to live with the ache.

Grief, painful as it is, can also be a teacher. According to the American Heart Association, some may even suffer from broken heart syndrome—a real, physical manifestation of deep sorrow. Yet, in the midst of that sorrow, grief can bring insight. It can awaken us to what truly matters and reveal powerful lessons we wouldn’t have otherwise understood.

Today’s devotion reflects on the story of Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:7–14), a reminder that one day, our earthly assignments will be complete, and the Lord will call us home. But until then, you and I are still here—for such a time as this.

I’d like to share a few notes from my journal—simple truths that have been helping me navigate this journey and hope that it will encourage you:

1. Make every day count instead of counting every day.
2. Death is inevitable—find something to laugh about every single day.
3. Life is too short—give people their flowers while they can still enjoy them.
4. Write down one or two things you’ve always dreamed of doing—and don’t let money be the barrier.
   • For example, I’ve always wanted to visit Paris and London. Until I could make that trip, I’d hop on my exercise bike, watch YouTube videos of those cities, and tour them from my living room.
5. Be present for others. Support them through their own seasons of grief and growth. Grief has the power to make us or break us—but it can also bind us together with compassion.

And as we cross our own bridges over troubled waters, let’s remember to reach back and help someone else find their way across, too.

P.S. btw I did get that Paris/London trip on my 60^th birthday!