For me, with spring around the corner, there is always the anticipation of warmer weather coming soon. There are many other things we tend to anticipate the first of each year. But, how do we do this in a positive manner when we have lost someone close to us.
According to Webster Dictionary, there are several meanings for anticipation.
- A prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action
- The act of looking forward
- visualization of a future event or state
- An object or form that anticipates a later type
- The early sounding of one or more tones of a succeeding chord to form a temporary dissonance.
How may times have we anticipated where we will be in each stage of grief??!! I remember thinking:
- In three months, I will have all my paperwork done.
- In six months, the holidays for me will be done. Oh, how I dreaded those days.
- In a year, I will be done with all the ‘firsts’.
I was fortunate at the time that Dan passed away, my two oldest brothers really walked beside me. Gary at one point had lost his wife from a car accident so he had gone down that path. My brother Bob always had good solid advise, but allowed me to make my own decisions without me feeling bad or guilty. By the time the first year was done, I was ready to make major decisions and for that I am thankful. Does that mean all my decisions were good ones? No, but I was able to figure it out and knowing I had a lot of people praying for me certainly did help.
One thing that says a lot to me is found in Jude 1:21. It reads – Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. But when one is going through something, it is difficult to wait for the mercy of Christ. But persistency and prayer sure will help us along the way.
I think this quote by Anna Grace Taylor says so much:
It seems many times we need to look back to move forward, doesn’t it? With God’s help you can do this! However, if you need someone to talk with, don’t be afraid to ask. These verses are such a great promise to us. They are found in Romans 8:37-39 which reads: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
When we are down emotionally and things just don’t seem to be going our way, remember God is always with us! He has promised us this in Deuteronomy 31:8 which says: The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
So, with the new year upon us, may we look forward to God’s help with what we are going through. I have faith in you that you can do this! Just remember, there are many people to help you each step of the way. Don’t hesitate to send me a note on my blog site: https://encounteringwidowhood.com/.
One of the best anticipations is seeing our loved ones once again in heaven. Blessing, hugs and prayers to each of you!!!!
Encountering Widowhood 