Everyone is going to go through a season of loss. Death eventually hits close to home, and we all feel the sting of separation.

Our natural inclination is to try to avoid feeling grief. Denial is the first stage and perhaps the biggest trap. We claim we are not struggling, or we repress our feelings so that we do not show weakness. 

Once we open our hearts to our loss, we will walk through anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance. It is a long, arduous journey that rips your heart out and drives you to the bottom of your emotions. No one wants to go through grief, but it is something we all must do. 

But this post is not about you going through the heartbreak of loss. This post reminds you that many of the people you encounter each day are somewhere on this journey.

Why did they get so angry? Why do they always seem so sad? Why are they on such an emotional roller coaster?

The answer might be that they lost someone they care about and are trying to come to terms with it. Grief makes your life a mess for a while. That is true for everyone. 

One more reason we must live each day filled with grace and forgiveness towards others is that you don’t know how someone is hurting.