Even in Loss, We have Choices!

Most of us don't like change. We get to a place in life where we feel comfortable, and we are fine with staying there. Then, out of the blue, there comes something that knocks us flat and leaves us wondering if we'll ever get to a place in life where all feels okay again. Loss brings about so many changes in our lives!

Are you struggling with finances today? Broken relationships? Loss of health? Lost dreams? Loss of a loved one? The unthinkable - the loss of a child? If so, please know that you're not alone in this pain. Countless others have walked the lonely path of grief and pain and have been faced with many changes, and they've made it. The good news is that you, too, will make it to a new place of peace and joy!

While dealing with all of the changes that come about due to a loss, surround yourself with others who can support you. Look to those who have gone through similar circumstances for some much-needed guidance and encouragement. Above all else, lean on your heavenly Father for strength!

Remember, too, that we have choices all along the way. We can choose to place ourselves in the dark corner of hopelessness forever, or we can choose to look for new hope in the everyday happenings of life. Look at the sunrise and the sunset and find the miracle in each one. Study the beauty of a flower ready to burst into full bloom and reflect on how much God cares about details. Listen to the sounds of nature singing a song of hope just for you!

Slowly but surely, changes will take place, and you will find yourself once again able to enjoy the small blessings in life. Day by day, the sun will begin to shine once again, and you will find yourself able to face the day with renewed hope and strength! - Clara Hinton

"Hope places new life into every soul who asks for it!" --Clara Hinton

"Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul." -Psalm 54:4

We Don't Live in a Perfect World

In a perfect world, life doesn't hurt. There is no pain. We don't have to shed tears because all is perfect and well. Reality tells us, though, that we don't live in a perfect world. Instead, we do have pain, sorrow, and tragedies that come into our lives quite unexpectedly. Life isn't always fair, and we are left asking that age-old question, "Why?".

I don't think we'll ever answer the "why" question good enough to satisfy us, BUT we can understand that we are not alone in our pain. In this world, there are many sufferers, and we each can learn from one another and gain new strength and hope as we travel this road of grief.

As has been said before, sorrow is a new language that we must learn, and it gives us new eyes in which we view all of life. At first we feel like foreigners struggling to find our way without a map. After a while, though, we begin to struggle less until finally we find a new place to call home, we learn the new language, and we have keener, sharper eyesight in which to view life's beauty.

If you are struggling today in the land of sorrow, hold on and continue putting one foot forward until you find your place of level ground. Trust that as you travel this often lonely path, you will find others along the way who will reach out and help you. They will speak your language, and you will no longer feel alone.

You will be filled with new hope each day until finally your small flicker will turn into a sunbeam of hope that will light the way for you from the dark path of sorrow into the healing light of new-found peace and inner joy!

A thought: "Yes, things are different now, but they will get better! Hope is alive, and will lead the way!" -- Clara Hinton

"Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul." --Psalm 54:4

NOTE: It is my sincere hope that you've found a bit of sunshine in these words. Visit often as I continue to all hopeful messages, thoughts, and Scriptures.

Love,
Clara Hinton