WHAT I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT DEATH AND GRIEF

As I near the end of my psychology class on this topic I find it hard not to write about all that has entered my mind surrounding this experience.

I feel very strongly that we live in a world that likes to party and have a good time, we don't know much about loss and grief because when we are finally faced with it by the passing of someone close we like to get past it as soon as we can, so we can get on with the party that is life. It's no fun to be all down and grieving right? So society has set up a time-line for grief to help you get back to the party ASAP. "You need a few days off to process what happened? You don't have to come in on Monday, I understand" or "You'll be back in no time". And because of this we never fully deal with our loss and we'll end up truly grieving five days long on a six day vacation to the south of France where you went just to find some solitude from your busy life.

I like the fact that in most countries and cultures the death/burial rituals celebrate the person's life.

Suprisingly, kids are more stronger and mature than we know or give them credit for when it comes to dealing with the passing of a sibling or parent.

Also, the fear of death and fear of dying are two different things. As Christians we can fear dying, but we don't have to fear death.

And the things on earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory of grace.

In his light these things already do...