By Reginald Crutchley, ContributorPRICELESS IS the ability to comfort and console. When people are undergoing periods of grieving, caused by unwelcome events in their lives, they are so fragile, so vulnerable. They are in great need of those who have mastered the art of tenderness and care-giving. At that time the law of kindness operating in the mouth of the thoughtful, is a great boon. Since all of us at sometime experienced times of trouble, sadness or loss, we know the value of the right words at the right time, expressed with sincerity and understanding. 'How beautiful are words well spoken, they are like apples of gold in bowls of silver'. They can heal the broken hearted, encourage the distraught, strengthen the weak and calm the fearful. It would be so marvellous, if every person were good friends, with comforting words when things go wrong.
The spirit of empathy and compassion are twins of delight in moments of sorrow. Empathy is the ability to step in someone shoe and feel what they are feeling, compassion is the ability to be tolerant and understanding of another's burden. In one way we feel with others and in another way we bear with others. As sympathisers, we smile, cheer up and encourage those who find it difficult under trying circumstances. As friends we are able to offer condolences with grace. Our patience never wears thin, our love never dry up, weariness in well doing disappears, even though we are sometimes tired. Healthy consolation is a very important element in keeping stability and serenity. May we as a people become experts in that area.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
THE GRIEVING PERSON
Remember that though you feel alone, you are never alone, friends and lovers surround you.
Remind yourself that this too will pass. You will become better as time professes and the feeling of emptiness will soon be replaced with assurance.
Remember you are built with an inward automatic adjuster to manage conflict and manage periods of grief.
Look for something good to come out of your pain.
When thinking of the past, focus on enjoyable events.
Listen to uplifting music with encouraging lyrics.
Stay away from gloomy persons and environments which dampen your spirits.
Try to keep upbeat, laugh a little, especially at yourself, it is usually good medicine.
Remember the Lord Jesus loves you and is sharing in your grief.
Give thanks for the good times and desire a better future.
By some unexplainable phenomena, what we desire eventually comes to pass. The principle of good expectations allows our dreams for better to be fulfilled when we desire positive outcomes. Treat your pain as a passing experience with great lessons to be learned and great opportunities for good.
For every negative there are thousands of positives to be reaped.
Reginald Crutchley CTM, BSc. (Hons) is a motivational consultant who writes and presents Powerfest and Power Family for schools, business sport teams and churches.
