Sorrows of Life

Kenny is a junior, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Gerontology. In his free time, he enjoys walks amongst nature, volunteering with hospice and spending time with his friends, especially his brothers in Phi Mu Alpha.

So often in our busy, modern world we are discouraged from the human and necessary expression of mourning. We see sorrow and grief as ailments that need to be healed, not as a vital part of the life experience. In Matthew 5:4 we are told “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” We need to remind ourselves that those who mourn truly are blessed. In our less-than-simple lives as Alma College students, there are many times that it becomes important to take the time to mourn, whether that be the death of a family member, friend, or pet, an end to a relationship, or rejection from a job or graduate program. These powerful experiences offer a time to look at our lives from a different point of view, growing from those close to us as well as our experiences. Think back to a time that you consider a low point in your life. What comforts did God subtly offer to guide your journey through the mourning process? The comforting presence of family, friends and pets? The comfort and spiritual guidance of music, scripture, books or nature? The simple ability to cry, whether alone or with a friend? When I was younger, I realized that Easter is my favorite holiday of the Christian and secular year. As I grow, I have found that it is the hope that God provides in the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ that provides the nurturing comfort I associate with Easter. This Lenten season, I encourage you to take time to mourn the sorrows in your life. Seek out those blessed comforts in our lives and always remember the hope that we are given in the resurrected Christ.