Roller Coaster Ride or What?

Roller Coaster Ride or What?

Did you wake up today and think, today is going to be a good day!   I feel like I can handle this new path I’m walking down and I think, I am going to be OK.  We may finally have found that the days are getting easier and the bad days are farther and fewer between. 

But all of the sudden we just cannot do anything right or nothing seems to be going right.  Why does life seem to be such a roller coaster ride?  

Perhaps you were on your walk this morning and out of the blue, you began crying.  Or talking to a friend that just doesn’t seem to understand.  Or you are thinking what just happened?!  We see that couple walking down the sidewalk holding hands or we take a second look at that person who reminds us of our spouse. There are times when trying to figure out this new journey of our life when we almost feel ambushed! 

There are those days when you feel there is no hope but there is.   Psalms 23:4 offers comfort:  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.

In conversations over time, many widows have said they cannot walk by the men’s department in a clothing store.  They try to avoid it at all costs.  There have been times when I have walked by the men’s department and there is a mannequin dressed in a polo shirt and a pair of khakis, which reminds me of my late husband.  I have found myself running my fingers over the folded polo’s on the table.  At this point it makes me smile as it reminds me of good times.

So often we wonder where God is in our pain or suffering.  He really does understand.  He does hear us and wants us to talk to Him about what we are going through.  Psalms 62:8 reads: O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

We may not understand why we have had to walk this journey but rest assured in God that He has the final plan for our lives.  As Christians, we have the hope for the future that we will see our loved ones again. 

I trust and pray that as time goes on, your highs and lows become less extreme.  The time will come when the extremes will mellow out.  Those things which you miss, you may always miss.  But with time, you can will smile and remember the good times, the funny times and the silly times.  You may shed tears along the journey and that is so normal.   Be patient with yourself.  

Will we ever forget – no we will not.  The love you have had for your spouse will always be in your heart.  With God’s amazing grace, He is our comfort and will be our comfort.  We are all on our own path and there is not a timeline that is the same for everyone.

If your journey seems to be overwhelming, please seek council from your pastor or priest or a professional counselor.

Blessings to each of you.  May you Cherish the times you have had and feel God's arms wrapped around you.