I’m a half-cup full girl. I almost always (like every single time) reach for the silver lining. There’s so much good in that, but the downside to eternal optimism is that sometimes a person just needs space to say she’s sad. She needs to work through those feelings, find the source, ask for help, or simply have a safe place to express them.

This was brought to my attention a few years back. Someone close to me said, “I don’t feel like I can be sad around you.”

And that nearly broke my heart.

So I listened, and what she was saying was she felt that she was not strong when she didn’t immediately try to find the good in really hard situations — and silver-lining statements or well-intentioned silver-lining words fell flat.

Reaching for a silver lining is a good move,

but it doesn’t have to be the first move.

It’s taken time, but I’m growing in this area. Even saying that feels a little silly.

Excuse me. I’m trying not to reach for the silver lining. Give me a minute. 

What I’ve learned is there’s beauty in sitting with someone in their sorrow. There’s beauty in watching them process that sadness with the help of the Holy Spirit (instead of me). There’s beauty in watching that silver lining come at the appropriate time.

And not just for them, but for me too.

So today I want to share something with you. This Covid-19 virus has made me sad in a lot of ways. I know there are silver linings for many of us and I can write those for days, but I miss seeing my parents. I miss hugging my grandkids. I miss going to church with friends, and face-to-face conversations. I struggle with so many sick, and so many impacted by loss of all kinds.

As I sit with the Lord and I share those things, I’m telling God that I trust him with my sadness. That our relationship is close enough that I don’t have to pretend with him.

What things are you missing?

What feelings have you been pushing down, afraid that somehow expressing those makes you less than strong?

Maybe instead of reaching for a silver lining, you just reach for him instead — and the silver lining will come at the appropriate time.

Suzie

 

Listen to today’s Episode #73 of More Than Small Talk on your favorite podcast app or at KLRC.com – Conversations from Home with Holley, Suzie, and Jennifer. In this episode we take a look at storms and the invitation we find in them.

Also, if you want to join us in the MTST FB group, we are giving away a copy of my book, Come With Me, to one 4th chair friend, as well as a downloadable CWM prayer book to everyone in the group.