Good grief

I will admit upfront that I do not have much experience in loss.  I have had a couple of grandparents die.  In all honesty the closest I have come to loss is misplacing something.  So that being claimed you can take everything I say with a ton of salt.

Today is Memorial Day.  It is a time when the majority of people are off work and yes, the kickoff for summer.  According to one comedian it is a great time to buy a mattress.  Yet, most importantly, or at least the official reason for the holiday, is a day of remembrance.  For those who made a difference in our lives and our country.  Those who paid with an ultimate sacrifice.  I have never served in the military nor do I know anyone personally who has died in service to our country.  Sure, I see the stories on television.  It is only imagining the loss the surviving friends and family must feel.

My in-laws church did something interesting during the service yesterday.  Other churches may do it or they may do annually I am not sure.  They included a memorial service in the service.  Names were read off of church members and family who died during the year.  A candle was lit in there honor, along with a photograph placed on a tree.  It was interesting to see how the people were impacted by their loved ones.

I am sure that grief never goes away.  There is always the tension between missing someone and, if the person was a believer, knowing he is with God.  I guess that is why someone who wants to be there is a shoulder.  The shoulder provides encouragement or a nudge when needed, hopefully block some of the insensitive things that are well intentioned, and provide a place to cry on.  Dealing with grief is a process.  I suppose not some goal to reach.

To the living I would say, remember those that had an impact on you.  Honor the memory and behave the way that person taught.  That is probably the best tribute.  Also live in a way that people will want to remember.