Reeling

They had just been with him the night before, talking, enjoying a meal, getting deep and vulnerable together. These were the kinds of gatherings that were life-giving to them. Rich. Meaningful. Learning together. They didn’t see the warnings; couldn’t understand what was happening now. Literally overnight, their whole world was turned upside down and was spinning out of control. It was a night of little sleep, full of confusion, fear and uncertainty. Things escalated quickly. They felt threatened and helpless as they watched it unfold. They were isolated from where it was all happening and could do nothing to stop it. The next several hours were a whirlwind of trauma as they witnessed unprecedented events they couldn’t explain. They were suddenly grieving in the deepest ways they’d ever experienced without knowing if and when the circumstances would change or improve. Hearts broke. This wasn’t how they thought things would go. They didn’t see this coming. 

Grief. Unexplainable grief. Reeling. Aching. Helpless. Afraid. It was impossible to be with the one they loved the most. They gathered in small groups in their homes, needing comfort and some sense of normalcy, but not able to all be together for fear of the consequences. What would happen next? The followers of Jesus wept.

Grief. I find it interesting that there was a Divinely arranged span of time where they were allowed to grieve; to weep and mourn and lament.  Jesus didn’t rise right away. Their pain was not glossed over. They didn’t tell each other it was okay because He was in a better place now and His suffering was over. It was silent but for the deepest sorrow that can only be expressed through moans, sighs, and wailing from the core. He understands grief intimately and makes room for it.

Grief comes when there is loss. Loss of life, loss of loved ones, loss of freedom, loss of routine and familiarity. Grief comes in many forms, for a variety of reasons and to varying degrees. God understands grief intimately. Are you making room for it?