Giving With Grace, Through Suffering and Loss

Yesterday marked significance in the life of our family on many levels.  It was the day that my kids' grandma died, leaving their hearts broken, and their spirits grieving.  The pain of their suffering is significant, as they hoped for more time with their grandma.  She was only 72.

We had planned on going to the LA County Fair, and when we got the news of her passing, I really figured we would be changing our plans.  But my ex-husband insisted that we take them.  He said it would be the best thing for them, and he was wise in thinking that.  It was.  We had a great day.  More of that on another post.

Another reason why yesterday was significant, was because it marked the 1 year anniversary of us moving into our house in Glendora.

Rather than re-write the story, I'd like to share with you an article I wrote almost a year ago.  It deals with the topic of giving.  But not just giving.  Giving when it doesn't make sense.  When the world would allow you to be angry and bitter, or even expect it.  It's the topic we discussed last night over dinner, as we toasted the Sellers of our house for their grace and dignity, in spite of their pain over losing their house.  In the article, I shared about their story, their surprising gesture, and lesson they taught us.  It's one that impacted our family deeply.

Read the article here.

It seemed fitting, that the lesson of that anniversary fell on the very day that my children felt the pain of their loss.  They were left with a challenge.  What will they do through their own pain, that would honor their grandmother, and propel them into a better life?

It's a good question for us all to answer.  For me to answer.  It's the secret weapon, really, that can help me in my very own personal battle with bitterness.  I can choose to be bitter over those who brought my children and me pain, or I can choose to take the high road and do something good with it.  Give hope to others who suffer similar challenges, or who can identify through being in crisis themselves.

It's so poignant how God just kind of weaves all of this stuff together for us.  He seems to really make it easy to take the lessons from life that can grow us and help us to find meaning in our own existence.

May I keep my eyes open, my ears open, and more than ever, my heart open to what is out there.  And may I do it with grace.