October is rapidly finding its way through the autumn season into the month of November. How quickly the time seems to pass! The leaves have had their moment of glory, with all the jewel-like foliage dancing brightly in the clear, crisp air. Only to fall far too soon… blanketing the ground in withered shades of rust and brown. The sun sinks ever lower in the sky, even as the year itself sinks into the dark of yet another winter.
It is at this time of year, when the world seems to be closing in around us, that All Saint’s Day… or Samhuinn in the Celtic tradition, is ‘celebrated’. A time of remembrance, and the recall of precious memories. We pause, stepping out of ourselves for a minute, to recognize family and friends now gone. Those who have passed, no longer walking close by our side… sharing life’s journey with us.
Their love and companionship are so greatly missed! And although a part of them lingers on, remaining with us in spirit, it does not give the same satisfaction. We crave their tangible presence with us; the reassuring touch of a hand, a comforting hug, or encouraging word. But all that’s left now is silence, and an empty space where a loving spirit once had Being.
In some ways… they also take a small part of us with them. Leaving a void which we are at a loss to fill. And for a few, there is the realization that the space once inhabited, will continue to remain empty. The sorrow which this engenders simply becomes a part of life. The sting of loss eases, but its remnants linger on.
In time we do adjust, and adapt our lives accordingly, on the basis that the only way out is through. We therefore find our way across the various stages of grief. Hoping to arrive at, and achieve, some form of acceptance within which we can live. And so, in due course, get on with the business of life. Picking up, where they left off. It is however, never quite the same.
One of the hardest lessons life has to teach us, is that of letting go. This is something which does not get any easier with time or maturity. And experience tells us that practice does not necessarily make perfect. For the longer we live, the more often we will encounter the need to let go.
Whether that be due to the loss of a family member, a life-long friend, or a part of ourselves which changes with age. The letting go of someone, or something which we are emotionally attached to, is simply a normal part of life. As such, this can be difficult to admit… and accept. Necessitating, as it does, the healing powers of time… and a little bit of courage.
Nevertheless, it can be said that the experience does make us stronger and more resilient. These are qualities which enhance our lives; giving it a caliber we would not otherwise know. Compassion, and the outreach of empathy for others deepens, becoming more finely honed over time. And overall, we are the better for it, and thus live a richer life.
The acknowledgment and understanding of this is encouraging. For it offers a sense hope. Within the pain of loss, whatever that loss may be, are these small ‘gifts’ of… and from… the Spirit. There is a recompense to be had here, which signifies we are not alone in our grief. And this is a comfort. However small it may seem at times, it is still a solace of sorts, which our bereaved spirits can latch onto. A light, as it were, to show the way forward.
For there is a spring beyond the winter of our grief. Life mirrors nature. Even now, as the leaves lose their colour and drop to the ground; there are new buds forming on the tree where once a fallen leaf glowed bright in the sunshine. To everything there is a season… to weep and laugh… to mourn and dance. A balance within the cycles which make up our lives.
Every year on All Saint’s Day, and in the Samhuinn tradition, a candle is lit in memory. It symbolizes we have not forgotten these dear ones; those who no longer walk by our side. And so, we honour their memory, and are grateful for having known their loving presence in our lives.
The candle flame becomes a tiny light of hope amidst the dark of the year, reminding us that spring will indeed come again. The sting of grief has its own unique place in time… and then slowly passes… revealing a life, abundant once more.
And Jesus said…
“Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.”
6 thoughts on “Letting Go…”
Oh, so true, Bev. Years ago a Grief Therapist assured me that there is really nothing we need to do to heal from loss. It happens naturally. Thank you, Lord, for creating within us with this Spirit-ual ability to heal from our losses.
A “tincture of time” -with a little dash of faith is the best prescription!
Miss you Bev. Thanks for this beautiful reflection.❤️
Miss you as well! Glad you enjoyed it. We’ll touch base sometime soon!!
Great post. Very true. Love you, Jim
Love back Jim!!!