The pain that we humans experience that we call grief the apostle Paul identified with when he said in Romans 9:2 that he had great grief and unceasing pain in his heart. Many, many people can identify with that sentiment. The word mind is used for heart in Scripture as the soul or mind, is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors. That is why Webster’s Dictionary definition makes so much sense. Webster defined grief as pain of mind (heart), the pain of mind produced by loss, misfortune, injury or evils of any kind; sorrow; regret. This is the negative side of grief, the pain of mind and all the SX produced.
Is there a positive aspect to grief? I think so. First, the experience we gain from our journey. Experience changes the way we think and the way we behave with ourselves and others. The first step toward wisdom is knowledge. Grief teaches us much if we are willing to take the time to pay attention. Second, the wisdom allows us to impart what we have learned to those who are just beginning their journey with grief as we support them just as someone hopefully supported us. Third, our personal growth related to our grief. What did we learn from our loss and what did we learn having to make changes, adjustment in our lives without the something or someone we esteemed highly and was very dear to us. When our life changes so drastically as with a highly valued loss, we are forced because of the loss to change our life and build anew perhaps in significant areas. Fourth, I learn to accept things I cannot change and that we are not as in control as we may think. Fifth, life is brief and we should cherish every minute and learn to value what and who we have in our life because it could change at any moment.
