Our Blurred Perceptions

After the passing of a dear friend, our Pastor decided to share a Grief Share session with us titled "Why?" and let me tell you, it was perfect timing for more reasons than one.

One of the comments that really stood out to me was "my pain has blurred my perception of my reality". Boy how true that can be when we are in the midst of dealing with grief or any trial for that matter. It can be extremely difficult to see beyond our pain and frustrations which limits our ability to face reality.

If you find yourself in this space, I want to encourage you to offer yourself grace and time. Grief is something we do not get over immediately, even though many people think we should. It actually takes years. I have learned that grief will always be a part of my journey. This doesn't mean that I am sad 24/7, it only means that from time to time I am reminded of my loved ones and those memories can be bittersweet and comforting all at the same time.

John 14:1-3

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

This passage in John reminds us that we are going to join Jesus and our loved ones again, hang on to that hope because it will get you through those overwhelming and difficult moments.

Today, I came across this quote again and decided to share it because it's a reminder that we all need in order for us to keep the right perspective about life and the challenges we are facing.

Friends, we are spiritual beings having a human experience not the other way around, this earth is not our home. We are just passing through this world and when we can remember this perspective it changes our blurred perception. The reality is, if you believe in Jesus Christ, you will see your loved one again! We just have to remain strong and ask God to strengthen us while we are still on this journey without them, knowing we will be reunited again one day.

John 14:6-7

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

When our son died, I no longer feared death, in fact with each passing day I think "I am one day closer to seeing him." The death of a loved one is extremely painful; it will even rock you to the very core of your being, it can even make you question your faith in God or strengthen it. Remembering that I will see him again also reminds me that I need to make the most of every day while I am still here. This means using the Spiritual Gifts God has given me and using them to the best of my ability.

What are your Spiritual Gifts? If you are unsure, I encourage you to take this assessment test. It's easy and free! Spiritual Gifts Test - Adult Version | Spiritual Gifts Test

Romans 12:6-8

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Friends, we don't get through life without facing trials, losses, or pain so we need to remember to continuously ask God for His strength.

1 Chronicles 16:11

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

In the midst of my grief, pain, and struggles, I have realized that God is there with me. My prayer is that you feel Him too! Isaiah 41:10

Someday down the road, I hope you'll get to a place where you can allow your pain to transform you and use it to help others.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime