Lent - When mourning becomes dancing

"[There is] a time for mourning, a time for dancing" (Ecclesiastes 3:4).
\nAbout now we are beginning to grieve the life that we once "knew."
\nHenri Nouwen reminds us that mourning and dancing are never fully separated. Their "times" do not necessarily follow each other. In fact, their "times" may become one "time."
\nMourning may turn into dancing and dancing into mourning without showing a clear point where one ends and the other starts.
\nMany times in reflecting about death, we will remark that the family is "grieving appropriately." It is a remark to say that the family will be fine. Grief is something that we all experience. Some are able to incorporate that grief into life, like a dance.
\nOften our grief allows us to choreograph our dance while our dance creates the space for our grief.
\nWe lose a beloved friend, and in the midst of our tears we discover an unknown joy. We celebrate a success, and in the midst of the party we feel deep sadness.
\nMourning and dancing, grief and laughter, sadness and gladness - they belong together, like a well orchestrated moment that finds us open to tears and laughter.
\nLet's trust that the beauty of our lives becomes visible where mourning and dancing touch each other.
\n"Dear God, may You move me by the events of my life to recognize that moments of joy and sadness are times available to mourn and dance. May I never loose the sound of the music of life, which moves my heart to tears and laughter. Amen."

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2020