If Tears Could Build a Bridge

The last few weeks my heart has broken for several families around me that have suffered unexpected loss. In all of these situations the loss was sudden, unexpected and deep. There are times when you so desperately want to do something, anything, but nothing seems adequate. So there are words…

A few years ago I experienced my own sudden loss. Never saw it coming. It was hard. Painful. Deep. Misunderstood. It is hard to walk that road with someone unless you, yourself have journeyed its uneven pavement and crossed into the valley of emotions that simply have no explanation attached to them. We fumble our way along, while at the same time silently begging for grace and understanding. How do you define what few can know so that you can all move on from jagged to smooth? You simply take another step.

Then there are the tears.

I have often thought that if tears could build a bridge to heaven I would have been there and back several times over. Well, this is untrue. Once I arrived, I would most certainly never look back. My friends, I hope these next few words caress your broken spirits like the Savior’s very personal lullaby. I pray that they sooth your hearts and perhaps even act as a temporary balm to the deep, open wounds that loss has now left you with.

Look there before you. There is a veil that you simply need to reach out to and gently move aside. What you will see for the first time, is something only the Lord can show you. As you behold the splendor you will notice the sweet aroma you will never experience anywhere else. Did you ever imagine that JOY has a smell? The closer you look, you will be enveloped in the most beautiful sound of heaven’s song with chords undefined and a melody that your ears are taking in with striking perception. Beyond the veil of human understanding is a smile etched with wild happiness. Wider than you have ever seen here. Laid out before you is a landscape painted in grace that produces life at its fullest. How it was meant to be. Those you are now witnessing freely go to and fro with a song in their hearts and and purpose suited perfectly to their capable gifts. Within this place you will find fulfilling relationships undefined by what we have always known. They are new. Unblemished. You see love in ageless form and all you want is more. Looking back is not even an option.

Look closer.

There they are. The pieces of your heart that you longed to have back. But they are different now. They are free. They may not have chosen to go, but now they experience the presence of their Savior in the light of heaven’s glory. They see and taste and smell the promise of life after death and while they loved you on earth, it is different now. Now it is whole and perfect. Your loss is not the end. It is the beginning of new life.

Who will wipe my tears?

I said before, if my tears could build a bridge then by now my loss would be heaven’s doorway. There is someone who understands the depth of your hurt. He is wiping your tears with His scars and calling to you to come nearer still to Him. He understands. He hears you. And He will heal your broken heart. The veil will fall back into place, but soon, it will be fully open to you.

Whether your loss was recent, long past, or perhaps you are still in the process, know that you are not alone.

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