Can you make progress through the valley in this bittersweet season?
For many people, autumn accentuates feelings of grief and loss. My grandfather used to say that it was a time that made him particularly aware of lives ending and times changing. Also, the Thanksgiving holiday presents a challenge when there will be an empty chair at the table.
To cope, take daily walks and give yourself a little time just for grieving. Also, how about creating a new tradition? Think about what will make the holiday easier for you. Would it be simply giving a toast to your missing loved one during the usual meal or would you prefer to do something totally different, such as going out for dinner?
Meadowlark Press has published a small, encouraging book to use when you’re grieving: Walking Through the Valley: Grieving Well One Step at a Time by C.S. Boddie. It’s a friend that comes alongside you wherever you are in the grieving process and walks with you for a short time, such as one autumn or one year.
The twenty-one-day devotional has words and images to comfort and inspire, plus recommendations for resources. You can buy it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.