In the German town of Bisingen there is a small stone pyramid in a field where at World War II concentration camp once stood. In memory of those who died in that camp an engraving appears on that pyramid that reads: Wanderer, if you pass by here, remember those whose lives were taken before they had lived it meaningfully.
When I read this passage in Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Revenge of the Turning Point” I stopped and thought of our grieving over the passing on of our loved ones. As I paused to take in what I had just read, I re-read it several times.
That we feel grief over someone’s passing on is in fact the evidence that they lived a meaningful life. A life that impacted us to the point that it evoked grieving. What a potent way to see the gifts we received through the unique relationship we shared with them.
We all live our life with the hope that we have been a blessing to those we love. That our life with them had meaning. Not just meaning per se, but a meaning so profound that it produces grieving. If you read my other articles on this blog related to grieving, you will know that I see grieving as a positive experience. It’s something to cherish when we are able to rejoice in the blessings we garnered in the unique, one-of-a-kind relationship with that person.
With this new perspective, that our grieving is evidence of our loved one’s meaningful life in part through the blessings we possess, I am even more encouraged that we can deepen our appreciation of having a positive sense of grief.
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Turning Points
I am constantly in awe of how the Spirit reveals to me new realities not only of grieving but countless other aspects of our life journey into learning and finding meaning in our own lives.
