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Reflections

Welcome to the JCPC Daily Reflections Blog. Reflections are daily devotionals authored by JCPC pastors, staff and members and provide insight, guidance and comfort to help you make it through each day. If you’d like to receive Reflections each day via email,  provide your email address.

Monday, November 26 2018

By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.

-Psalm 137:1

 

"I just wish things would go back to normal... go back to the way they use to be!" This is a common reaction to whenever we experience loss and yearn for what has become the old normal. This is the experience to which the Psalmist is speaking. The life transition that the experience of loss ushers into our lives is the journey to the new normal.

 

But what is normal? How do we define what is normal in life? One way that I have found helpful to define normal is through the 4 R's: routines, rituals, roles, and relationships. When we experience loss through death, an illness, or divorce each of these R's, routines, rituals, roles, and relationships, is affected and affected deeply for some time into the future.  Loss creates changes in the 4 R's in many different ways.

 

Entering the holiday season any one of us who has experienced a loss understands how rituals such as Thanksgiving and Christmas activate our grief and a longing for the old normal. Rituals that once brought happiness, comfort, and joy become markers of who and what was lost and a possible sense of being lost and not knowing what to do. "I just wish things would go back to normal...go back to the way they use to be!"

 

If this describes you and you are wondering how to navigate the holidays I would like to invite you to attend Safe Harbor.Stephen Ministry is hosting a luncheon for folks who have experienced a death, loss due to illness, or divorce following worship this coming Sunday, December 2 in the Great Hall. We will share a meal and Neal will lead a discussion on how to cope with the various emotions that arise during the holiday season. As you journey toward your new normal it can be helpful to share your experience with others who are on a similar journey.

 

Click here for more information.  If you will be joining me at Safe Harbor please RSVP to me at nealk@jcpcusa.org by Friday, November 30.

 
Prayer for Today

 

Merciful God, keep us mindful that during the holiday season many among us are experiencing broken hearts due to loss. Pour your spirit upon those who are feeling lost, wishing they could go back to what once was and wonder how they will piece their lives back together so that they will feel your loving arms wrapped around them and experience the comfort of your love. Amen.

Posted by: AT 02:00 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
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