I have found myself, yet again, at a crossroads. I revisited this writing to be reminded mourning is a series of good-byes. Saying good-bye to Tim as he took his final breath and the clinical first check then second medical opinion to make sure gone was truly gone...then of course a series of immediate good-byes; husband-less, father-less, grandfather-less, friendless. Now, almost 20 months later another good-bye looms. Comfort has been my constant companion, but so have tears, memories, sadness and way to many decisions I never wanted to make alone. Blessed are those who mourn for their comforter is continually in them, with them and along side them.
I appreciate the reminder on how expansive mourning is, esp the Isaiah connection and the general brokenness of the fallen world that causes mourning. It makes sense this beatitude comes right after the previous. Being poor in spirit is a low place to be (without God) and it can be natural to mourn various things in life when in that state. I think we tend to become more sensitive (in a good way, although hard to bear) when we're poor in spirit, and that leads to lamentation over waste and tragedy however great or small. God's promise of future (and to some degree present) comfort is so needed in such a context, and that's exactly what He gives without delay.
I have found myself, yet again, at a crossroads. I revisited this writing to be reminded mourning is a series of good-byes. Saying good-bye to Tim as he took his final breath and the clinical first check then second medical opinion to make sure gone was truly gone...then of course a series of immediate good-byes; husband-less, father-less, grandfather-less, friendless. Now, almost 20 months later another good-bye looms. Comfort has been my constant companion, but so have tears, memories, sadness and way to many decisions I never wanted to make alone. Blessed are those who mourn for their comforter is continually in them, with them and along side them.
I appreciate the reminder on how expansive mourning is, esp the Isaiah connection and the general brokenness of the fallen world that causes mourning. It makes sense this beatitude comes right after the previous. Being poor in spirit is a low place to be (without God) and it can be natural to mourn various things in life when in that state. I think we tend to become more sensitive (in a good way, although hard to bear) when we're poor in spirit, and that leads to lamentation over waste and tragedy however great or small. God's promise of future (and to some degree present) comfort is so needed in such a context, and that's exactly what He gives without delay.