If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome. If you are facing loss this Christmas season, I am reaching for you with a huge hug. I know it’s hard. I’m so thankful you are here with us today. ~ Suzie

Grieving comes in waves

When we lost Jimmy, we had already grieved for a number of years. We lost this strong, ornery, patriarchal man over time. A memory here. A part of his personality there.

We were fortunate that the parts that remained were the sweeter parts. That’s not always true with Alzheimers. One day we were at a birthday party. He looked over at his wife of nearly 60 years and said, “Do I know you?”

“I’m your wife,” she replied.

His eyebrows shot up. “Seriously,” he said. “Wow, I did good!”

I can laugh at that memory now. I can see the sweetness of a man rediscovering his love of six decades, but at that time my heart was heavy because he didn’t recognize her.

Jimmy 7 years ago with my family. <3 (And Richard’s grandmother!)

Grieving isn’t a one-time, one-size-fits-all process

However, what I do know is that seasons like this are all the harder when loss is a part of it. I’m thankful that there is room in our relationship with Jesus to mourn.

Jesus wept. 

The image of Jesus weeping brings me comfort. What if there had been someone standing close to him saying, “You should be stronger. Pull yourself up, Jesus. Show some faith!”

Jesus was the epitome of strength, and weeping over a great loss was part of that. He loved much, therefore he grieved just as much over his loss.

That comforts me. I hope it comforts you. If you are grieving this Christmas, I pray that you’ll find comfort, unexpected joy, and that sweet memories will float to the top. I pray that you’ll know every tear is seen by God, and he understands.

Jimmy’s birthday was this week and I vividly remember his last. I’m praying that this year he is looking down at us, his mind restored, his wit intact, but also with the knowledge that “home” was never this short space we have on earth.

We miss him, and we also know that one day we’ll be together again. In the meantime, we have a safe space to mourn our loss and also celebrate his gain. I’m so thankful for that.

Suzie

Join me over at Instagram today for a giveaway

I’d love to read your comments here today, but I’d also love to connect with you on Instagram. I’m giving away two copies of my Come With Me Devotional: A Year-Long Adventure in Following Jesus.

To enter, just leave a comment here or on today’s Insta-post. ♥ I’ll give away one at each site!

Related resources

If you liked today’s post, you might also find these helpful.

The Mended Heart: God’s Healing for Your Broken Places by Suzanne Eller

The Mended Heart is a gentle resource that leads to healing for all our broken places.