Good Grief.

I wonder how many times I have thoughtlessly uttered that phrase without thinking about what it means...now I am thinking about it...isn't grief always bad? Is it ever good?

It's good grief if you are drawn closer to the loved ones that remain. It's bad grief if you find yourself withdrawing from them.

It's good grief if you can do the things that are needful, even when it is painful. It's bad grief if there seems to be no reason to go on.

It's good grief when you can gratefully (and maybe a bit fiercely) hug your children. It's bad grief when you get too easily upset and impatient with them.

It's good grief when the sight of a friend with a grandpa, new baby or sibling brings tears to your eyes and a lump to your throat. It's bad grief when that same sight brings envy and thoughts of "that should be me."

It's good grief when loneliness for your loved one brings not only tears but gratitude for the time you had. It's bad grief when missing that one brings bitter tears and questions of why your time together was so limited.

It's good grief if you are a bit more introspective and quieter than usual. It's bad grief if you cut yourself off from communicating with the ones who love you.

It's good grief when it serves to bring you closer to God. It's bad grief when you begin blaming Him.

There will be seasons of grief in this life...praying for the grace to choose good grief.