Change and New Beginnings
Life seems to be full of
changes! Many of the changes in our
lives we plan for, just work out. It’s
so easy during the good times to believe life is so amazing and nothing will
happen in our lives to change this. And
thank goodness for the most part it doesn’t.
Planning for things in life is a good thing for sure!
But what do we do in those
other times - when things happen which we have absolutely no control of! Oh how often and easy is it to fall apart! And that is a part of grief and its ok! God’s
promise from the Old Testament reads: Isaiah 54:10 (NIV) Though the mountains be
shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be
shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has
compassion on you.
Boy that is a hard verse to
rely on when we are down and wondering if we will ever be happy again! Thank goodness for the hope we have in Christ
that even when we are in the valley, He will be there to help us climb that
mountain.
For those that know me, know
that I am a planner and have been most of my life. One of the good things about my late husband
being in the military, was he always had to have his ducks in a row regarding
the ‘what ifs’ if something happened to him. When he did pass away, I knew what
to expect for me going forward financially.
It is so important to be
prepared for the unplanned. I have heard
so many stories of those that have not had things in order and how devastated they
are at the time of a loss. Because of that, I have become an advocate on making
sure your ‘ducks’ are in a row. However,
there are a few things to think about if you are at the early stage of
widowhood. They are:
- It is
recommended you avoid making major life changes such as selling your home or
changing jobs within the first year.
- If you are still
working, consider asking your HR department about taking a leave of absence or
reducing your hours for a period of time.
- Regarding legal matters consider:
- Talk with your attorney about your home, automobile or other property.
- Insurance policies
- Bank accounts
- Dependent issues
- Set up a meeting with your financial adviser.
- Gather and review all your statements
- Notifying all Institutions
- Tax considerations
- Check on your Life Insurance Policy
- Notify Social Security
- Take care of your health.
- Make an appointment with your doctor.
- Make an appointment for a massage, pedicure or manicure.
As we begin to heal and
accept that we must move forward, we need to decide how or what we are going to
do next. Many times it has been said,
that we just need to take the first step.
I would encourage you to become involved with Grief Share (website: www.griefshare.org.)
Another suggesting would be to find a local widow group in your
area. In the Twin Cities, go to: www.widowmight.org. In the
Chicago area: www.widowconnection.com.
My prayer is that you will
find peace in your journey. It certainly
does not happen overnight! One of God’s
many promises is the peace he gives us. John 16:3 (NIV): I have told you these things, so that in me
you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome the world.
Each new day is a new beginning. We cannot change yesterday and tomorrow is
not promised to us. However, we can take
that first step today! If you feel you
have taken a step backwards, do not beat yourself up. Just take that first new step!
I have seen this statement many
times and I cannot agree with it more.
The quote is by C.S. Lewis and it reads:
“You can’t go back and change the
beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ― C.S.
Lewis
May God bless you as you walk this new journey in your
life! He is faithful to walk with you
each step of the way, one day at a time.
Blessings to you!
