Value in Loss

Finding value in loss

It is true, that we appreciate something more after we lose it than when we had it in hand. I can think of countless examples in my own life, as I am sure you can too. There is no denying that losing somehow awakens new insights and thoughts in us. Looking back we find an appreciation, even a longing for that which was. This is true even if while we possessed it, we grumbled at our possession.

I don't know why this is, that loss makes us appreciate more. But applying that fact to life, perhaps we can find something good from suffering and trials. For what is suffering and trials but a removal of some of our peace and tranquility, a loss of what was? Perhaps (and I say perhaps) some of our suffering allows us to develop a different view of life, a view that includes greater insights. Perhaps we endure so that we can become more transformed.

It's just a thought, hoping to bring something good to the pain we endure in life. For it is true that if we can understand something better, if we can find that little bit of good that can come out of sorrow, it lessens the pain somewhat  It gives it a value.

A loss that remains

Loss. I have had as many losses as others. Lost dreams, lost goals, lost hope. Most losses I have experienced meant opening another door and moving forward in a different direction.

But there is one loss that is different. It is just a loss...with no door to open or new place to move. That loss came when my mother died.

When a parent dies, specifically, when you lose your mother, a door closes. You find that you become the older adult. You become the next in line to die. And death becomes more real, in a very different way. It is as though the line towards death has taken a major step forward. And you are next.

I have used this very real and deep lose to ponder. I have asked myself if I am ready, when it comes. I have looked over my priorities to see if they are in line with what I say is important in my life. And I have sought to appreciate my family more.

As I move forward, the loss remains. No matter what happens in life, my mother is gone and will not be able to appreciate or encourage me in that tangible way that meant so much to me. That is just a fact. That is life.

Some losses are permanent.

Finding greater appreciation

It is true, that we appreciate something more after we lose it than when we had it in hand. I can think of countless examples in my own life, as I am sure you can too. There is no denying that losing somehow awakens new insights and thoughts in us. Looking back we find an appreciation, even a longing for that which we lost. This is true even if while we possessed it, we grumbled at our possession.

I don't know why this is, that loss makes us appreciate more. But applying that fact to life, perhaps we can find something good from suffering and trials. For what is suffering and trials but a removal of some of our peace and tranquility, a loss of what was? Perhaps (and I say perhaps) we suffer so that we may develop a different view of life, a view that includes greater insights. Perhaps suffering happens so we can appreciate more. Perhaps we endure so that we can become more transformed.

It's just a thought, hoping to bring something good to the pain we endure in life. For it is true that if we can understand something better, if we can find that little bit of good that can come out of sorrow, it lessens the pain somewhat  It gives it a value.