Divorce, death, disagreement, and distance can break the strong bonds of the family circle. Life occurrences can forever alter the size and shape of the circle. A link is removed and there is a permanent alteration of the family and its dynamics. When my brothers and I are together-our parents--especially our mother- are always hovering in the room. The impact she had on our lives, after being with us for such a long time, leaves a void in the room.
When my children, grands, and I are together, there is always the void caused by the absence of their father. After a lifetime of living life as a family, his absence has created a missing link in the circle. The family unit is no longer a whole and complete picture. We have formed a different circle with his absence.
What is to be done? How do we deal with the altered circle?
As I stated in a reply to one of yesterday's comments, we must know we have done all we can do to repair the break. At different times in my life, I have asked myself- Did I do all required of me and beyond? When I put my head on the pillow, can I know I gave it my all? Am I able to sleep the sleep of ease by knowing I tried to repair the rift? Did I extend mercy--even when it was thrown back in my face? Was I obedient to God's Word?
I have a piece of jewelry which has a missing link--thanks to one of the sweet grands. It can still be clasped, but it will not stay on because the circle is broken. There is an answer---pull the remaining links together and make a new circle. In many cases the circle will be stronger than ever--depending upon how it is repaired. I love the saying
I am not a fan of Nietzche, but this has rung true in my life.
The circle may never look the same, but it can be repaired and whole again. It will be a different circle, but different is not always bad--it's just different. We cannot stay in the past, but instead must move forward into the future by accepting the present. One amazing thing I have learned about God is His faithfulness and continuous presence. He is not surprised when we have a broken circle and He will fill in the gap!
It is a sad thing when the circle is broken, but a new circle can be formed by closing ranks and holding tightly to each other. God can redeem it all---in His time and in His fashion. The circle can be reformed by drawing together. The amazing thing about circles--sometimes the smaller circles are the strongest.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
Mu Uncle used to say, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger," - 'til he had an accident and ended in hospital.
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, this is a brilliant and well-thought-out post, Lulu. Well done and thanx.
When a circle is broken, as long as we do our best to restore the peace and re-mend what was broken, we have nothing to reproach ourselves for. And - this is the difficult bit - we should be able to prove it to God when He asks us.
God bless.
I am thankful for your encouragement and wise words, Victor. I am thinking my way through all life presents with the hope of a deeper understanding of Who God is.
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!
You really need a like button, smiling...Victor is 100% correct. Have a beautiful day friend.
ReplyDeleteWe all love our wise friend, Victor!
DeleteCool here today- it is winter!😄
Blessings, My Friend!
HI Lulu! I really love your thought that a smaller circle can be stronger. As you know, I lost my dad just a few months ago, and my circle certainly did get smaller. But as a result, my sisters and brothers are closer than ever. We often will text each other, and that never happened before.
ReplyDeleteLoss can be a gain, although there is so much pain and sadness on the way. Only God can bring the joy of healing and new beginnings...and may he bring that in his grace for you and for me this year.
Bless your heart my friend,
Cel
So thankful you and your siblings have pulled together to support each other as you grieve the loss of your dad. Yes, praying God gives us the courage for new beginnings.
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!