Experiencing death whether it affects you personally or it affects a close friend is not easy. Even watching the news and hearing of tragedy occurring with people that you don't know can be unsettling. Death can sometimes leave us wondering why? It's easy to tell someone that their loved one has gone on to a better place or that we all have to go one day, but accepting this is not as easy as it sounds.
So what is the best way to cope with death or to at least understand death? Seeking counseling and focusing on that person's legacy can certainly bring healing and understanding. It can also be helpful to look at the life span of a seed. Before a seed can blossom into a beautiful flower or bear tasty, delicious fruit it in fact has to die first. In John 12:24 Jesus reminded Phillip and Andrew that "...Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."
So what is the best way to cope with death or to at least understand death? Seeking counseling and focusing on that person's legacy can certainly bring healing and understanding. It can also be helpful to look at the life span of a seed. Before a seed can blossom into a beautiful flower or bear tasty, delicious fruit it in fact has to die first. In John 12:24 Jesus reminded Phillip and Andrew that "...Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."
So how does thinking about a seed falling to the ground help? All of our loved ones, friends, or even celebrities who we connect with have shared a part of themselves with us in some shape, form or fashion. Consider them a seed that has/had beautiful, vibrant life within. Each person, no matter how young or old, represents seeds of wisdom, humor, service, joy, kindness, protection and so on. **Pause a minute and think of the kind of seeds that the people in your life (living or deceased) represent.** As you stay close to (nurture/love) that seed and observe its many characteristics or principles that you can apply to different areas of your life, you are helping the seed to fulfill its purpose. However, in order for the seed to reach its full potential, it must die.
As hard as it may be to accept the death of a loved one, it's vital to think of them as having represented a seed in your life. You are in full blossom or headed in that direction because of those who came before you. All of our loved ones who have passed away have completed their cycle of life which enables us as their seedlings to bear the fruit that they instilled in us. Believe it or not, you are also responsible for planting seeds into the lives of others.
Find comfort in knowing that you have what it takes to carry on the legacy of those that you mourn. The grieving process is just that--a process, so take the time and the necessary steps to come to terms with losing the people that were special to you. In time, make sure to place yourself in an environment that is conducive to your continuous growth so that you can blossom as expected. Even when you experience setbacks--dry seasons, excessive amounts of water (tears), pruning, malnourishment (family/friend issues), or slow growth--remember that you are important and your survival is key to those who will learn from you.
Helpful Hint***Visit your favorite local nursery and find seeds of a flower, etc., that you can plant and watch grow to commemorate your loved one and to remind you to stay focused and to become everything you are destined to become.
Share your comments on how you've coped with the loss of a loved one.
