In the Thursday morning Ladies Class we have been studying through the book of Exodus for several months now. It has been a fantastic study, especially since it came on the heels of a verse by verse study of the story in Genesis. We may not move very fast through the text, but we look at the stories in great detail and it is such an encouraging time with some of the great spiritual leaders of this congregation. 

Let’s face it: Life can be hard sometimes. Maybe more than sometimes. For some it seems that it could be a continual struggle day in and day out. We talk about mountains each Sunday but sometimes it seems that we camp in that valley. It might be sickness in the family, loss of loved ones, financial difficulties, or struggles with your spouse, your kids, or your in-laws. Either way, life can sometimes throw us a lot of hard stuff.

At any given time someone among us is battling grief. That is certainly the case this week. From those of us who are at the year anniversary of our loss to those who have just experienced that pain once again, it seems grief is an ever present fellow traveler in this road of life. Even as I prepared to write this the news was being shared about a sweet sister at our congregation. She has meant so much to so many through the years--having taught most of our children. She leaves quite a legacy. So here are a few thoughts to help us all manage this often unwelcome guest named grief.

I’m sure at some point you have heard the song, “God on the Mountain,” written by Tracy Dartt. The chorus goes like this: 

The God on the mountain is still God in the valley. 

When things go wrong, He’ll make them right. 

The God in the good times is still God in the bad times. 

The God of the day is still God in the night. 

For several weeks now there has been a buzz everywhere you go about the incoming snow. At the time of writing this article the skies are clear blue and the air is cold, but the “winter storm” is on its way. My kids (and their parents) are pretty excited about the possibility of having some fun in a winter wonderland if it happens as they predict. But that is the thing, we never know if it will really happen as predicted. There is a chance...and maybe a really good chance...but no guarantee. And so we wait with hopeful anticipation for a fresh coat of snow to give the appearance of a clean yard and peaceful times. 

Have you ever ridden the WorryCoaster? It is quite an interesting ride. Lots of ups and downs and plenty of moments that will make you panic and want to get away. It’s not anything you will find at Six Flags or Disney World. It is in your own mind when you start letting worry have control of your thoughts. It might be about a doctor’s appointment, a test, a game, a review at work, a storm, or any number of things that people worry about on a daily basis. And usually, the WorryCoaster you ride before the event is much worse than the actual event itself.

I’m sure most of us grew up hearing something like “real men don’t cry” or maybe more harsh words like “quit being such a crybaby” when a boy was guilty of shedding a tear or two. In baseball if you got hit by a pitch the words from the dugout were usually “don’t rub it.” It was basically an encouragement to suck it up and move on without showing any signs of weakness. I am not certain where the concept of men not showing emotion started but I know where you do not find it. Scripture has several moments recorded where men cry and I would challenge anyone who dared call any of them weak.

One of my favorite obscure verses in the Bible is Philippians 1:3. Paul simply states, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” It is a simple statement but it is one that has come to have significant meaning for me. Since I was a young minister it is one of the verses that I often write next to my signature if I’m signing a card or something important for someone to keep. I like to think that every person has made some impact on my life and I try to recognize their importance through thanksgiving.

Cross Country is a tough sport. As someone said of Cross Country, “My sport is your sport’s punishment.” It takes a lot out of a person to run three miles as fast as they can with much of it being in places where spectators cannot see you. Sure there are crowds often gathered at the mile markers to let you know how you are doing or strategically placed throughout the crowd, but much of it is tackling hair pin turns, hills, and uneven ground in a wooded area. It is you and the path.

One of the most recognizable phrases in the Bible is found in the first paragraph of God’s Word: 

“In the beginning, Good created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:1-3).