The Healing Journey

October 21, 2023

After someone close to us dies, our lives are thrown into turmoil. We experience shock and disbelief and denial. We ask questions like “How could this happen?” Or “Why did it happen so suddenly and without notice?”

After loss, we struggle to make sense of our lives in very practical ways. Should we remarry, should we move in with our children, should we change our investment strategy? There are so many questions and so many decisions to make. A good rule is to avoid making major decisions during the first year, although major decisions will eventually have to be made.

When you must make major decisions, it’s always good to consider God’s plan for you.

Bishop Robert Barron in a booklet titled, “How to Discern God’s Will for Your Life,” says: “Perfect love casts out all fear, so when you surrender to God, you say, ‘Lord, I want what you want.’ Make that your prayer of faith and trust: ‘Lord, I want what you want, so guide me.’ And he will guide you. By this prayer, cast away the fear that it’s just your project and you have to figure it all out by yourself, and if you get it wrong you’re doomed. No, it’s God’s project when you say, ‘Lord, I want what you want.’ I often do that in front of the Blessed Sacrament.”

Always remember, God’s plan for you will be better than your plan for you. We tend to think that God’s plan will require giving up things, abandoning joy, and missing out on all the good opportunities in life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Or we’re afraid he’s going to ask us for more than we’re capable of giving. The truth is that his requests are always in line with the talents and gifts he has given us.

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