By David Coy
Sunrise
Joseph Addison said, “The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” When we are struggling in our journey with grief, especially during these special days, we may ask, “What is my purpose now that my loved one is no longer with me?” With this holiday tradition upon us, do we continue as in the past, or do we change and create a new tradition? Something to do. Purpose to fulfill. Or purpose to continue to fulfill. There are still people to serve and people who want to serve you still and very much desire for you to continue to be an active part of their life.
Then, there is something and/or someone to love. Years ago, there was a pop song that came out and it proclaimed, “All the world needs is love.” It needs love even more today than it ever did in the past. Morality comes from God, and the world increasingly is denying and rejecting God in spite of the evidence that he exists and that mankind needs him. The world’s ideologies breed deceit, violence, and inhumane behavior. This is not love. Love seeks what is true, kind, and in the other’s best interest and needs before our own. Love not only cares about those who love us but also those who do not.
Something to hope for. Alexander Pope said, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” He did not understand the individual who has lost hope because of overwhelming or stress. With support anyone can endure stress or affliction. It is when we feel all alone that we may falter in our endurance. Yes, afflictions can produce endurance; endurance produces proven character; and character, hope. Herein hope never dies. This makes all the difference to enabling coping successfully.
This is Sunrise Aftercare, sunrise@sfdcares.com.
