Out With the Old, In With the New

Out with the old, in with the new . . .

It's just not that easy, is it? To forget a lifetime of love and "move on?"

That's the struggle and work of grief: to bring some resolution and healing to the past, and to begin to look ahead with more anticipation than dread. On some days, it doesn't seem possible that will ever be the case. But over time, as we make good choices and take some positive action, life will become worth living again.

For the Christian, we might be surprised at how painful this whole process is, but we still can count on the fact of God's good purpose for us. There's "life after death" not only for our loved one who passed, but also for those who remain. I love how "The Message" Bible puts it in words:

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him! (Romans 8:15-17 The Message)
 

So as you face 2013, picture yourself standing at a doorway, watching it come. Know that your past life will always be a part of you, but begin to stir up that childlike expectation. You don't have to do a clean sweep----out with the old, in with the new---just get ready with a "What's next, Papa?' For, as the end of Romans 8:17 says, if we go through hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through good times too. Are you ready for so much hope?