“It is the nature of grace always to fill spaces that have been empty.” — Goethe
We may think “How can that be? It can’t be filled, it’s too big a space.” We may resent the thought, as if we’re replacing the person, or thing, we’ve lost. It’s not. How can that ever be replaced? But we can open up to, and add to, the things that are precious to us, which helps our hearts to heal and grow. The tide goes out. And it comes back in, bringing with it new oxygen and life.
I remember reading the book Charlotte’s Web when I was young. It broke my heart. It still does. E.B. White writes about loss and renewal so poignantly:
“Wilbur’s heart brimmed with happiness … “Welcome to the barn cellar. You have chosen a hallowed doorway from which to string your webs. I think it is only fair to tell you that I was devoted to your mother … I shall always treasure her memory. To you, her daughters, I pledge my friendship, forever and ever.”
What’s lost to us lives on. Not in the way we want, of course. Things aren’t the same. We grieve that loss. We feel the pain, sadness, and anger that comes with that. We let it move through us. We ask for courage, because this is hard, when we open up to life, we are opening up to loss and pain. Then we take some deep breaths and open up to what is present, and how the love and connection we’ve had continue to be a part of us and enrich our lives. This is grace.
Wishing you peace and healing,
Leigh