The subdued, winter light streams through the window, illuminating the dust motes in the air. The room sits nearly empty, except for a single chair…
An empty room can be a source of sadness and feelings of emptiness, or it can be a source of creative energy and joy. It all depends on whether one focuses on how empty the room is, or if one is looking at the room as a blank palette — a place to fill with life and vitality.
Grieving the death of a loved one can feel like an empty room. The most important thing in the room, your loved one, is gone, and the room has lost its life and energy. Very gradually, as one journeys through their grief, it becomes possible to fill that empty room again with new love and memories. How you fill it up is entirely up to you. You may keep it much the same or design something entirely new.
We are at the start of an entire new year with a full twelve months, 365 days, laying open before us. Remember that our rooms are never actually empty because God already takes up the space. Take your time, be thoughtful, patient and gentle with yourself as you begin the process of redecorating your room, trusting that God is there with you and will help you to fill it once again.
Blessings as you fill your room.
Grief Support (offered via Zoom)
The Empty Room
Wednesday, January 21, 7-8 PM CT
As the new year begins, we’ll discuss the process of working with the emptiness created by loss. In the coming year, what would you like to bring in to your room?
The Grieving Brain Book Club
Second Tuesdays,monthly, begins January 13, 11AM – 12 PM.We’ll read Mary-Francis O’Conner’s “The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss.” Together, we’ll explore how grief impacts the mind and how the patterns of attachment, loss and resiliency show up in neuroimaging.
If you are interested in joining a group, contact Optage Hospice or call Jenny Schroedel at 651-341-7105. Optage is the home and community services division of Presbyterian Homes & Services.