Having great intentions, I began writing a post observing my favorite moments of 2013 using pictures of my journey this past year. It didn’t take long for me to realize tears were sliding silently down my cheeks. Falling, pulled by gravity, to my chin where I wiped them on my sleeve – some escaping and falling to my leg creating a wet spot. As I was pulling my pics, I realized the majority of them were of people in my life. Our Reeger/Wiggins family gathered twice in 2013 to pay our respects to two people who could not have been nearer or dearer to our hearts. We went through the rituals dictated by our society – the viewing, services and burial. We gathered, grieving and yet celebrating each others presence in our lives. How easy it had become for life to keep us all so busy that we had forgotten that we truly, deeply love each other. It had been several years since we had all been together. Subtle rifts had occurred and sometimes it had become hard to share space and time with each other. These days, though, all was laid down and we were reminded God is bigger than our enemy.
Our family is incredible. We are a mess – but a mess of jumbled up souls who love God and see Him walking among us as we receive comfort from each others hugs and tender moments shared in reflection.
Barriers fall down – even temporarily – we allow others to see us – vulnerable and tender spaces are revealed.
For the first time in a really long time – we see each other clearer – untethered by the years of hurt feelings and disappointments.
I’m not going to tag every person in every pic this time. When I look at the individual pictures below, each represents a piece of the puzzle created together to make a beautiful and complete picture of the people God chose to be in this particular family at this particular time on this earth He created.
Wrapping up, I have been sitting at my desk this morning reading what God has to say about grief, comfort, forgiveness, loss, sadness, questions and God’s words have led me to one conclusion this morning – if all these struggles move me to a place of peace, then the pain is not lost.
Jesus talks plainly about the source of peace. He declares it not to be of this world.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Life will continue to wear us down. Discouragement is our joy robber. The only defeat we should encounter is what happened that day on the cross when Jesus overcame sin and declared us His for eternity. Joy and peace.
The precious people in these pictures will change as times marches on. Our love for each other – not so much. We have learned what it means when we can’t pick up the phone and call. We aren’t able to hug them and tell them how much we love them. We can’t participate in life with them anymore. Jesus explains that to us. He also explains He will be here to walk us through whatever life brings. It is our choice to give it all up to Him and know that He participates every step we take.
I love you each – Janet
This is beautiful friend. We’re learning the value of life and loving each other around my house during this season as well. Pain does have a way of creating something beautiful in its wake if we allow it. As much as we hate that it is part of the process we certainly can’t deny that it has refining qualities. Thanks for your words and your heart that you share here friend. Love you!
“Grief never ends…but it changes. It’s a passage…not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness nor a lack of faith. It is the price of LOVE. So, when you lose somehone you love – cherish the memories and the fact that you truly loved that person and find happiness in that journey.”