Grief Rocks

Forgive me, I know the title is misleading. It is not what you think 🙂

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about grief. In every shape and form. I have been working on an inspirational speech that I hope to one day share and my mind keeps going to rocks. Rocks come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are smooth, some are big, some have sharp edges and some have beautiful marks on them. Rocks also go through a lot: vehicles drive on them, animals mess with them, the river or lake pushes them around, and kids throw them. Imagine the life of a rock. I know it sounds silly but think about it for a second.

Lets take a river rock for example. The last nice day we had, I decided to go down to the river. As I watched my son throw rocks into the river, I couldn’t help but look at all the different shapes and sizes of the rocks. These rocks go through a lot. When the river is high from rain, it rushes over them. Not only does it sometimes change their shape but it can even move them to different locations. When the river is down, the rocks get to sit on the banks and enjoy the sun and stars. However, it can still be hard (no pun intended). Trucks sometimes drive over the rocks to get closer to the river and then sometimes like with my son, kids will kick and throw them.

Grief can be a lot like rocks… it comes in  many shapes and sizes. And lets be honest… sometimes it feels like a truck is running over you, you’re submerged under the rushing water or a kid just threw you across the lake. BUT then theres those moments where you have “a good day in the sun” or “get to see the stars come out”. Depending on the season you are in, you may see more or less of the good moments.

There is one more thing I want you to notice about a river rock. Have you ever noticed how some of them are smooth? After being pushed around by the overwhelming rush of the river….over time they turn smooth. In the beginning of your grief, things will be rocky and sharp and rough, but as time goes on it will become more smooth. Your grief will mold you. It is going to shape you. You will become an even more beautiful rock. Even the “damaged” rocks are beautiful and unique but its when they gain their shape after much struggle and “damage” that people notice them even more.

Don’t let your grief make you or your heart hard. Let it come. Embrace the rushing water and roughness because it will make you stronger and even more beautiful than you already are. Just remember, rocks don’t turn smooth overnight or even in a month or year, it takes time. Don’t be rushed and its okay to take your time.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God will use what you have gone through and use it for good.