By David Coy
Sunrise
“As I journey through life with its trouble and strife” is the opening line to the song, “Paradise Valley.” Yet along with many a joyful moment, life does have a way of presenting struggles and challenges. Last week, we discussed our journey from the perspective of loss and how family and friends can lighten our load by walking by our side in our journey. Many people have inquired to me, “What now is my purpose in life now that my loved one is gone?” I had an individual ask me that question just last week. What is my purpose in life? Is it different whether our loved ones are near than when we are alone? When the question has been proposed to me, it has always been within the context of being alone. I do not claim to have all the answers to every question that could be asked, but I think we make this one more complicated than it needs to be. Marriage is a beautiful union between two people and giving that love to another individual is heaven sent. Yet, I also know that being content within one’s self and then bringing another into a covenant relationship is the best recipe for success in a relationship as well as in preparation to endure loss.
I answered the question asked to me last week the same way I have always answered – our purpose has not changed; it is the same as it has always been. Whether we realize it or not, we live serving someone or something. Preferably, we serve a moral, honorable entity, but we will end serving one or the other (Luke 16:13). This is especially helpful in our journey with grief because if we devote some time in serving others then our burden of sorrow will seem smaller. We will heal much more quickly and completely when we are not enclosed inward on ourselves, allowing our sorrow to consume us. If we may be of service please allow us the opportunity. This is Sunrise Aftercare.
