Last week, I marked the anniversary of my mother's passing, a somber seven years without her. Yet, for the very first time, I forgot. Surprisingly, amidst a few social media posts scattered throughout the month, the actual day slipped my mind. At first, this forgetfulness seemed almost unsettling. How could I forget such a significant date? But as I pondered it more, I began to see it as a profound moment of healing and growth.
For countless years, September 15th had been etched into my consciousness. It was a day that paralyzed me, a day when I couldn't do anything but lie in bed, tears flowing, as the physical and emotional pain took its toll. The date had this strange power over me, a cruel reminder of the void left by my mother's absence. It felt like an anchor, pulling me down into a sea of sorrow.
It's astonishing how we can become so fixated on the pain that we completely overlook the journey we're on. Grief is a formidable roller coaster, one that can seem never-ending. In the midst of it, it's challenging to see any light at the end of the tunnel. But here's the thing – we do make it to the other side, even if we don't notice it right away.
I am endlessly grateful for one undeniable truth: God is faithful. His promise to carry us through our darkest moments remains unbroken, even when we don't rush into His loving arms. His love is unwavering, even when we fail to acknowledge the source of that love. In our moments of despair, when we can't find the strength to pray or the words to express our pain, He still sees us. He knows our hearts, and He holds us close.
To those of you who are navigating the turbulent waves of grief, to those who feel like you're lost at sea, please remember this: God SEES you. You are not alone in your pain. Even when it seems like you've forgotten the day, the ache, or the intensity of your sorrow, God never forgets you.
In those moments when it feels like the world has moved on but you haven't, when it seems like everyone has forgotten, know that God hasn't. He is there, walking beside you through the ebb and flow of your grief, reminding you that His faithfulness is the anchor that will guide you to calmer waters.
As we move forward, let us embrace the forgetfulness of pain, for it signifies our journey toward healing. Let us find solace in the knowledge that even when we forget, God remembers and carries us through.
Coach Indy