Loss…

“Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted” Matthew 5:4 NKJV

This week I lost something very dear to me very unexpectedly. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve handled it well. I realized that today when I showed up for an appointment that isn’t for another two weeks!

We all lose things in life. Some major, some minor.

Some losses signify a chapter is closing. When we move beyond our grief we can see the beginnings of another.

Others losses are harder still and hurt to our very core.

LOSS B IS FOR BLESSED DEVOTIONA 7-15 We rarely appreciate our blessings in their entirety. We take people and things for granted. We often don’t appreciate our “headaches” until they are snatched away. We often look elsewhere for the very blessings we have right at hand but are too blind to see.

Some losses make us reevaluate ourselves. Others are a wake up call to get back on track. Some losses we bring upon ourselves. Others hit hard without warning or fault of our own.

Living “blessed” is learning how to weather the bad as well as appreciate the good. Ideally, our losses would make us grateful for what we have instead of fixating on what is gone. I don’t know many people who always do that, myself included.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 NIV

We all grieve differently.

Some things insignificant to us are a matter of life and death to someone else. Simply listening to someone for a moment or two can mean the world to someone in pain.

Now I’m sure some of you who have read thus far are wondering just what did I lose?

I lost Lucky.

photo_1 (6)  Lucky was a stray cat who arrived at my back door over a decade ago. His arrival prompted my four-year old to begin talking. For a child diagnosed with autism, this was a very big deal! We never imagined a stray cat would become the answer to our prayers.

Sometimes our blessings come in the least likely packages. My husband and I were never cat people. But this black tuxedo cat won us over. He must have really been Heaven sent as we had two unruly dogs at the time. However, it wasn’t long before Lucky would rule our roost, dogs and all, until his death a few short days ago.

I have no doubt God has a sense of humor. He does use the foolish to confound those of us who would think ourselves wise. I’m grateful I grudgingly accepted this gift even as I dreaded something else to feed and clean.

In the end, we were the “lucky ones.” Lucky chose us and gave far more than we would ever imagine.

Sadly, God’s blessings don’t always last forever. Just as seasons change, so can our circumstances.

When we find ourselves at cross roads or lost because of our losses, we would do well to realize there is more to be grateful for than to mourn. There is always hope for the peace and joy only God can provide when we allow Him to fill our voids. 

If you are grieving a loss, no matter how large or small, you don’t have to do so alone. Our God is waiting to comfort you with open arms.  

LOSS 3 b is for blessed devotiona 7-15  To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;  Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 NKJV

**Rest in Peace, “Lucky” Raphael. You loved us well! 

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

24 comments

  2. Very sorry for your loss, Lilka. Find comfort in God during this time, as you are doing.
    Ecclesiastes is my favourite book of the Bible. Everything I read from it touches my soul.

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    1. Ecclesiastes has actually grown on me. When I was younger I thought it was rather depressing! But now, many years later I can really appreciate it. God has a way of comforting us while forcing us to keep things in proper perspective. For that I am very grateful! B Blessed Jennifer! 🙂

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  5. Bless your heart, Lilka. Yes, our pets sometimes become so much more to us than we realize. May you be comforted in this loss by focusing on the blessings of your life and the love which abounds around you! You will feel better, I know…

    Steve

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    1. I’m feeling better for sure Steve. My oldest son helped me keep it in perspective. God uses our little animals to tend to us and teach. I am very grateful to have enjoyed the critters I’ve been blessed with in my life. 🙂

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  7. I’m so sorry for your loss. There is something unique about the loss of a furry child. We know, from the moment they enter our lives, we’ll only have them a short time. By their very nature, we know they are only temporarily in our lives. Even so, they become a permanent part of us, and leave a place nothing else will fill. Some will refuse to take the guarantee of their loss again, while others discover there’s always room in the heart for one more. He was beautiful. Bless you.

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  9. Sometimes when I read your words I just go into a sort of unintended “pause” – like a few minutes ago. And the I want to share what just happened. And find myself in a “pause” again. More lights switching on without any conscious thought.

    Thank you. You have put me in “pause” (now) three times with this post. As well as the power of being “listened to” – that is the power of being “the listener” ((hugs))

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      1. I seem to be having trouble with my iPad in leaving a comment, so I am commenting here. Lilka, I am truly sorry for your loss. Being a cat lover and just now lately fighting for the life of two of my cats, I understand how great this loss is. My Heart truly goes out to you. I agree that God’s Blessings usually do not show up in the manner we think they will. Lucky’s “mission” was accomplished so he was called back Home. You and your family are in my prayers. Love, Amy ❤

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      2. Thanks so much Amy. I think you may be correct about Lucky’s mission. He arrived at a very vulnerable and scary time in my life and he left us as my youngest is leaping into independence and learning to stand on his own. Prayers are always appreciated. Peace and love to you!

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