Painful losses
When I was packing my clothes for a trip, I discovered that my favorite sweater had disappeared and was not hanging in my closet as usual. I looked everywhere but couldn't find it. I must have probably left it in a hotel on another trip. So I packed the matching top and found something else that I can wear with it.
I get frustrated when I lose something I love, especially when it is of value. Losing something is nerve-wracking, just like forgetting where you put things, such as keys or important papers. Getting robbed is worse. Such situations make you feel helpless, unable to control your own life anymore. Most of the time, there is nothing we can do but accept the loss and move on.
Loss is a part of life we'd rather be without, but we all experience it. Dealing with and accepting loss is a lesson that we must learn sooner or later and often. But even with old age and with life experience and the knowledge that things are easy to replace, it is still frustrating to lose them. Some losses, such as losing a sweater or key, are easier to accept than greater losses, such as the loss of a physical ability or a loved one. Ultimately, there is the loss of our own lives. How do we keep the right perspective? Jesus warned us not to put our hearts and hopes on perishable treasures, treasures that can be lost, stolen, or burned. Our life is not made up of what we own. Our worth is not measured by the size of our bank account and our joie de vivre is not achieved by accumulating goods. The more painful losses are not so easy to explain or overlook. Aging bodies, fleeing abilities and senses, the death of friends and family - how do we deal with it?
Our lives are fleeting and come to an end. “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed like one of these. If then God clothes the grass of the field, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! Therefore do not worry about what you will eat or what you will drink.” (Lk 12,27-29)We are like flowers that bloom in the morning and wither in the evening.
While this is not encouraging, Jesus' words are edifying: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." (Joh 11,25)Through his life we can all be redeemed and transformed into a new life. As an old gospel song says: Because Jesus lives, I too will live tomorrow.
Because he is alive, today's losses disappear. Every tear, every scream, every nightmare, every fear and every pain will be wiped away and replaced by joie de vivre and love by the Father.
Our hope lies in Jesus - in his cleansing blood, his risen life and all-embracing love. He lost his life for us and said if we lost our life we would find it in him. All is lost on the worldly side of heaven, but all is found in Jesus and when that happy day comes nothing will ever be lost again.
by Tammy Tkach
