I keep waiting for the temperature to rise, for my spirits to warm up to get outside and go for the morning-soon-to-be-late-afternoon walk. But the wind continues to spin the weather vane above my head, and looking out, the clouds just seem to thicken. It must be Blackberry Winter. You know, it is that last cold spell just before warm weather is finally here to stay.
We find many parallels in the grief journey. We move along, feeling stronger, venturing out more as we
become more accustomed to our grief legs. And then something will cloud our vision, loneliness brings a fresh chill to our days, and memories spin like an out of control weather vane. Maybe we cry a tear or two, reminisce for a little bit, and that's okay.
We must tell ourselves that the blackberries are blooming. And when blackberries bloom, soon there will be fruit - juicy and sweet for the picking. Fruit for a cobbler or fruit for ice cream or jam. And by the way, blackberries are rather hard to find these days. I have to really search to find the blooms, but when I find them, then I can return to harvest the fruit.
Where are blackberries blooming for you in your grief journey? Maybe a new neighbor needs some help with learning her way around. Maybe someone you know needs a word of encouragement. Maybe you need to make your home available for a gathering.
And then the sweet fruit in your life starts to ripen - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
No comments:
Post a Comment