loss

I am learning that I don't do well with goodbyes. I knew this really, but when they stack up on me like now, it is difficult to deal with them. They are all starting to meld together in my brain into one blubbery mess.
First there was one of my close co-worker and friend, who retired.

Then my grandpa passed away in August.

A few weeks ago I learned that another close friend and co-worker would  be leaving, along with his family, for a new job. This Sunday will be their last at our church.

And last week my dear sweet friend Sue passed away after a two year fight with cancer.

Tonight I read this post, which also talks about dealing with loss and the struggle of her week. She ended with Isaiah 61:1-3. I usually read this in light of Jesus reading it (at least the first part) in the temple, and that this is something that we who are his disciples should also be doing.  But as I read the full text tonight, and her followup comments, I realized that sometimes we have to let Jesus do this for us. It's not always about the others. Sometimes the brokenhearted is me.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.”