Most of us have experienced something like this: We celebrate with one friend who just had a baby while we grieve with another whose sister just died. Often grief and joy flow together in the same event: We remember with laughter and tears when a parent dies. Life is complicated.
I
have noticed that some people try to reduce the complexity by turning a funeral
into a “celebration of life”. Not a bad idea—there is much to celebrate, especially
if the death is not too premature and if the loved one was someone we genuinely
do celebrate. But I feel some discomfort. Grief and joy flow together, and we
can’t—indeed should not—try to remove either one. Life is too complicated for
that.
So
we are celebrating a summer wedding. The time for planning is short, and the
level of frustration grows as plans are made quickly and at a distance; but
with the frustration runs a current of joy and celebration. At the same time we
walk with the couple whose relationship is ending, not made less bitter because
of a new relationship starting somewhere else. Life is complicated.
Good Friday is around
the corner: “Sorrow and love flow mingled down”. Both joy and grief flow
together as the shadows grow deeper, only to be dispelled by the light breaking
in through the great resurrection of Jesus. Life is complicated; but a simple truth
remains—that joy is stronger than grief, and love is stronger than hate, and
life is greater than death. Always. (Even though death comes first.)
2 comments:
In life and in death, we belong to God. That's a promise I take comfort in. And, of course, we can say in joy and in sorrow, we belong to God.
Beautifully stated, Daryl. Thanks. And congratulations on the upcoming wedding.
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