Seriously, can good really come out of tragedy? Am I really supposed to look at a serious problem and find some ray of sunshine? The answer to both questions is actually, yes. Trouble is, the vision you need to see the good is called hindsight. It’s not easy to see anything good at the time when you are watching a loved one suffer – or even suffering yourself. Others may guilt you into thinking you ought to be looking on the bright side. But when you are going through illness, caregiving, sorrow, or pain, the bright side may be slow in coming. Don’t beat yourself up about feeling periodic grief or anger. It’s a natural part of life.
I am always impressed with how Jesus handled his grieving friends after His death. He walked with them on the Road to Emmaus and listened to their anger, grief, and bewilderment. He did not tell them to suck it up and get on with life. He allowed them the space to grieve. Then He opened their eyes so they could see who He was, and their joy was restored.
Time will one day show us life’s beauty again. That crack in the sidewalk does sometimes allow a flower to come peeking through, but it is not an immediate process. Neither is your journey through difficult times. As our family now faces grief and sorrow, I am encouraged to know that in time, we too will see some good in the experience. A flower will eventually appear from a seed planted by sorrow. Watch for it.
Care For The Caregiver 