From Whence our Help

Once you go through a season of deep grief, it becomes obvious that going through is not exactly what happens.  When we grieve deeply, there is a sense in which we never come to a place of being finished.  Instead of being finished, we learn how to go forward with it.  We each do it differently.  We always err in judging another.  There is no right way, or wrong way.  It is a time for giving ourselves permission to be someone we have never been and to be patient with ourselves as we grow into that person.   

Walking into the valley of the shadow of death, emerging into a season of deep grief, and getting comfortable with the new person we are becoming is a much slower and more difficult journey than can be understood by those who have not yet been forced to turn onto that dark path.  When it does become our turn to follow the rough pathway walked by so many, we do eventually find ourselves getting far enough along that what is past is no longer what we give permission to guide us into our future.  

Though not yet the master of the journey, I am far enough along to see another soul struggling to get their footing as they emerge from the valley of the shadow.  I wish I had found some easy way so that I could take their hand and lead them, but I know I cannot for their journey will inevitably be different than mine.  I know the Father God is there with them ready to take their hand and lead them as He did with me.  I also know it may take them some time to see and take the Hand He is offering.  In the meantime, as He patiently waits, I will pray that that this new sojourner does not have to wait too long for our help does indeed "...come from the Lord who made heaven and earth."