Aching Hearts

This week at work I've had three friends lose loved ones to death.  One was his father, one was her grandmother, and one was his infant son.  Additionally, the obits this morning announced the death of the father of a dear friend.  It is important to me that these people know they are loved by me and are in my prayers.

The truth is that nothing will fix the hole left in your heart when you lose someone you love.  The prophets declared that there is a time to mourn, and loving someone means we are filled with sorrow when they leave us.  Additionally, we are commanded to mourn with those that mourn.  The hole in our heart is still going to be there, but the love of others helps fill in the cracks a little bit.

I think sometimes people just drop the ball on sending condolences because it hurts their hearts too much to think about the sadness.  There's something in us that says, "I'm so glad that isn't me," and then we move on.

Having my own heart cracked open a little bit has taught me some things I hope never to forget.

Worries and Heartaches

When you love someone, it opens your heart to the chance of getting hurt. It also opens your heart for a lot of joy, which is why it's all worth it.

But that heartbreak thing!

A friend who holds a sweet place in my heart is getting divorced. There's a lot of garbage that goes along with that (of course!), and I am nowhere near the "epicenter" of the damage that is being done. But my friend and her family are heartbroken and spirit-broken. She told me that she has learned that there is no God. And that hurts my heart. A lot.

Another cherished friend admitted to hitting rock bottom. She has, fortunately, found ways to claw her way out of that hole. I hope that one of the ways she is doing this is by relying on God.

Is it human nature to turn away from God in times of horrible crisis?

Whatever. It hurts my heart.