Finding Your Way

Have you ever gone into a house of mirrors at a carnival or amusement park? The basic concept is to be a maze-like puzzle. In addition to the maze, you are given mirrors as obstacles, and glass panes to parts of the maze that you cannot yet get to.

Grief can feel a lot like a maze, at times you are unsure of what direction to go and at times you may feel as if you are wandering without any sense of direction. You may even find yourself stuck between mirrors and panes of glass which causes you to become agitated. When you try to find your way out of the maze (your grief) on your own it causes confusion and frustration. But when we rely on God to help us, He shows us the steps to take. He is the source of our true healing; He is the one who has the ability to heal our broken hearts and gently lead us through our grief.

Psalm 32:8 NIV

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."

Friends, finding your way through grief is not easy. In fact, it is exhausting and can feel lonely at times. Just remembering how to do simple tasks can become a challenge for you.

Early on in my grief journey after our son died, I was supposed to be driving to the grocery store, but I forgot where I was going so, I drove past the store before I realized it and I had to turn around. Another time I drove back home because I simply could not remember where I was going.

Grief can make us feel as if we are losing our minds because we are not able to concentrate or complete simple tasks that were second nature for us. Now you are having to really think stop and about what you are doing. Your mind is in a complete fog and for some it can take a year or so to come out of it, which is why for some the second year of grief can be harder than the first. As the fog lifts, you begin to gain clarity and you realize that your loved one is really gone which can cause you more intense pain.

Psalm 147:3 NIV

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Years later I can honestly say I look at the fog/numb stage as a gift from God because it has a way of protecting us, and little by little as the fog lifts, we gain clarity again, and the reality sets in one moment at a time. It's like we are given the pain in bite size pieces so it's more manageable and bearable.

Matthew 5:4 NIV

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Friends, if you are in the process of grieving the death of a loved one and are struggling to find your way. I pray you will keep putting one foot in front of the other and cling to God's Word for direction and comfort. Visualize Him taking a hold of your right hand and gently guiding you in the direction you need to go.

Isaiah 41:10 says

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Give your pain to God and allow Him to carry it for you. Know that you are not alone in your pain and one day down the road you will be able to look back at this moment and see just how far you have come. Don't give up, use your pain to help others because this is a great way to honor your child or loved one.

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime