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This time of the year brings with it a variety of changes and transitions. We are moving from a season where it is mostly dark outside into a welcomed season of increasing sunlight each day. In northeast Ohio, we move from the barren slumber of winter toward the sparks of green and color of springtime vegetation. As grievers, we carefully move from loss toward an anticipated season of healing and new-normal. Within the Catholic church, there are liturgical changes from Ordinary time to Lent and finally to Easter, which allows time for deep self-exploration and a drawing closer to our relationship with God and His purpose in our lives.
These sacred (holy) movements are gradual; slow and steady and in sync with the rhythmic cycles that God placed in creation. We, as humans, are part of the mysterious tapestry of creation and like the seasons, we endure a bit of pain and emotional death to be brought safely by God into a new internal season of purpose and hope. The rain (tears) and the darkness (grief) provide a nourishing environment for pushing through painful parts of our lives to emerge, as plants do, to fresh air and new life.
Imagine yourself as a tulip bulb, hidden within the rich soil of the earth soaking up all the necessary nutrients, waiting for just the right time, your appointed time, to poke your leaves through and shine forth your beauty! It is this faith and trust in our Almighty Creator God, that allow us to rise triumphantly from seasons of death and darkness… Just like Jesus did through His Passion and death, to His Glorious Resurrection.
During these 40 days of Lent, we encourage you to contemplate your own self, journeying in the desert (or in the tomb as this season may feel to you). Be particularly attentive to the voice of God, preparing you, re-awakening you, healing you, and calling you out of the tomb to newness of life, beauty, love, and new purpose. Trust the Creator and the transformative process to use your time of grief to ground you in that which will energize and strengthen you. Trust in the Resurrection power of Jesus within you and be prepared to emerge stronger and with renewed purpose.
We welcome you to join us at any of our free monthly in-office Grief Support Groups or to our Virtual Grief Support. The meetings are open discussion and you can drop in any month and fit right in. Information to register or to contact me with questions is listed in “Upcoming Events”.
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