I've been struggling a bit in the last few days with my grief. Understandable, I know. But, still.
It's just hard. A student asked me today if I was ready for Christmas. How do I answer that?
And yet, there is much light and joy on my path.
And yet, there is much light and joy on my path.
Most days, the light and joy tend to outweigh the darkness. For that, I am grateful.
But for some unexplainable reason, I feel called not to deny the darkness.
“You do not have to sit outside in the dark. If, however, you want to look at the stars, you will find that darkness is necessary. But the stars neither require nor demand it.”
-Annie Dillard
Thank you for your comment on my fake journal post. I want to do that challenge in 2013 again and will keep an eye out for yours.
ReplyDeleteI like the quotes you've included in this post. And I really like the image for "life is a sacred path".
Thanks! I may try to do the fake journal in 2013.
DeleteAnnie, I always try to remember that we can never appreciate life without death, joy without sadness, light without darkness. I believe God made everything (with the exception of Himself because why bother?) with a duality attached to it for this very reason. Yes, the struggle is hard and dark and heavy...and we know that it is because we have had times that were easy and light and joyful.
ReplyDeleteThat little bit of knowledge doesn't make it any easier but it does give it context. And I believe for all the hell-like events we experience here there are opposing moments waiting for us in heaven. Hang tough, girl.
You're right, Julie! There is a lot of duality in life.
DeleteI love your statement that the "little bit of knowledge doesn't make it any easier but it does give it context." That is so true...
I like both the Berry and the Dillard quotes, Annie; but admit to both giving me pause as to what they are really saying. Not sure we ever get, in this journey, "the big picture" in its entirety. What we have is each other and an invitation to "touch the hem of His garment". You are in my prayers tonight, my friend......
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jim. I don't think we do get "the big picture" but that doesn't stop many of us from trying to picture it all in one picture!
DeleteI like what the thang did, too. =) Thanks for sharing how you did that. There is opposition in all things. I only know how good the good is when I know how empty things are without it.
ReplyDeleteReady for Christmas? It will come and go, no matter what the answer to that question is. I pray for blessings of peace on you and your family.
Thank you so much for you reassurance. My thoughts will be with you too, this Christmas.
DeleteSitting with you in some of that darkness, dear annie. There is light to be sure but the dark can never be denied.
ReplyDeleteOutwardly, I can go through some of the motions of this time of the year mostly for the sake of others but inwardly, I cannot dwell on the "Miracle on 34th Street" angle. For me, I frequently have to re-focus on the mystery because it's the only thing that's crazy enough to compete with life as it has become. And sometimes, it just feels like a pile of words and I need to shut-up and hug someone who is hurting.
((((((((((annie)))))))))))))
Oh, thank you! I find I am more aware now of looking around for others who might also be hurting and trying to be with them too.
DeleteDo as much Christmas as you feel like doing. Lean into the grief. (I don't really know what I'm talking about. I just want you to know that where ever you are and what ever you do, it's fine.) And I love your art.
ReplyDeletePatti! I love it. You may not "know what you are talking about," but you DO know what you are talking about! I think that's exactly what I need to be doing, to lean into the grief, feel it, acknowledge it and then move on to other feelings too.
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