Mourning

The topic has been close in thought for many reasons over the last year. Whether it be mourning the loss of a loved one, mourning the loss of proximity to those dearest to your heart, even mourning the season of life that may be trying in every decision, maybe even in every moment, it's there. It seems our society allots the term "mourn" for the first circumstance in the list above, but by definition it means to show grief or sorrow. Sorrow in it's essence is distress because of "loss, affliction, disappointment; grief, sadness or regret." Mourning - it's everywhere. With this somewhat revelatory thought, I started thinking about if taken in a different light - we might perceive ourselves differently, cut ourselves some breathing room and lessen how we try to psycho-analyze everyone. Why can it not be acceptable for one to struggle through a season without feeling like something is "wrong" with them. In our sin-filled world, we will face these times. With "the fall" came heartache, came struggles, came pain. We don't need a label for such occurrences. We need encouragement. We need prayer. We need love fashioned without conditions. We need hope. We need faith. I say "we" throughout because times of "mourning" are inevitable for all. Some may struggle to escape the rut and hopelessness more than others, but that does not mean each of us will not face the bleakness at some point.

So, along with the thoughts of mourning another point pushed forth. For most of us when specifically dealing with the loss of a loved one, given the relationship is healthy, it's as if our hearts seemingly break. The pain is deep. It's wrenching. It's overwhelming. As this sits fresh on my experiences, I have come to wonder if these same sensations resonate with God when one of his children drift. When we deliberately make choices not in line with his good, perfect and gracious will... when one of his very own creations rejects him obstinately, leaving hope, leaving unconditional love, leaving salvation... does he experience these same pangs deep within his very essence? Is the mourning we experience a reflection of his despair? "Made in his likeness" and "As an image bearer"... that's what the Bible says. So, I cannot help to believe that my willfulness and disobedience causes grave pain. My lack of discipline, my lack of desire, my lack of pursuit obviously creates a feeling of loss, of mourning. The very thought of invoking such pain within my Creator every single time I sin is mind bending. While I don't claim to know how God feels when we blatantly, or for lack of discernment, sin against Him... I truly believe he is grieved.

All of this points to the very clear conclusion.. mourning is present everywhere. It's in our homes, our family. It's in our community. It's within the lives of those we see in each given day. While it may not be within the present moment or day, it has been or will be there. What kind of compassion would we pursue each relationship with if we first acknowledged the tender love and care we all need when preparing for, dealing with or overcoming a time of such deep pain?Essentially, this means we should constantly nurture relationships in such a way. Pain is real. Pain unfortunately (or fortunately, if looking at it from a character building perspective) challenges each life. May we mourn well. May we nurture well. May we allow ourselves and lead others to the comforting and loving arms of our Father.