‍“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die . . . A time to cry and a time to laugh . . . A time to grieve and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2a, 4 NLT

It’s been a few months now since my mother died. In this passing time period, a lot has happened.

The alarm still goes off in the morning. The bus continues to transport our kids to school. My husband and I still go to work. Bills must be paid. Homework has to get done. Dinner needs to be cooked. Laundry has to be washed. Bathrooms require cleaning. Doctor appointments still take place.

The list is long and never-ending. That’s because even in the midst of great loss, life still goes on . . .

Contrary to the saying—time does NOT stand still. Actually, it feels as though the clock ticks even faster. Because besides all of the “normal” calendar activities, time must be taken to grieve.

Within this process, I have discovered that seasons don’t always have a defining beginning or end . . . sometimes they just blend.

Seasons do not have to be compartmentalized, because there is not necessarily a clean time division of feelings.

This means there are days that include both grief and celebration. It does not have to be one or the other—sometimes it’s combined. Moments of laughter and tears.

Jesus knew that the loss of a loved one on earth would be painful, but He also knew the power of eternal resurrected life.

Before the cross, Jesus tried to prepare His disciples for a difficult upcoming separation, “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.” John 16: 16 NLT

The disciples were confused and did not understand what Jesus meant by His words.

Then Jesus explained to them how their parting and sadness would one day be overturned, “So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.” John 16:22 NLT

As my family continues to adapt to our temporary separation from my mother, we move forward in this blended season of heartache and joy—missing her now, but also knowing that one day we will be reunited. We will also meet our Savior . . . the One who made eternal family reunions possible.

If you are missing someone special in your life who has already gone to be with Jesus, take comfort in knowing that you will have an everlasting get-together in the future.

Dear Lord, Thank You for giving Your children the opportunity to reunite with loved ones in heaven. As our hearts feel sad for transitory earthly loss, please focus our mind on eternal perspective, where we will one day be together again in Your presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.