When Anniversaries Aren’t Happy

Facebook has reshaped the way our family remembers life events from past years. The social media giant developed the “On This Day” feature that practically sends you back in time to your personal feed on the same date, only years earlier. My wife and I love this feature and often enjoy reminiscing over younger images of our kids and ourselves, cute baby videos and funny quotes from inside jokes.

Of course, there are also posts from the days when life was heavier.

October 3, 2006 was one such day. Facebook didn’t exist in its current form back then, but we certainly wouldn’t have “shared” our news. Our life changed 11 years ago with the loss of our first unborn child. It was devastating, and even in our faith, difficult to overcome. Still, healing came, love persisted and life progressed.

Today is an anniversary. It’s not one that we celebrate, but one that brings a pause and reflection on God’s goodness through trial. It’s also an annual reminder that the love we share in our marriage is greater than the pain life can bring.

The Boston Marathon bombing.
September 11, 2001.
The tragedy in Las Vegas.

The most heart-wrenching events in life are marked by anniversaries. They remind us of a time when adversity seemed insurmountable and suffering inescapable. In the midst of the trial, our minds can be clouded by fear, uncertainty and confusion. But greater still than all of this, is love.

Love is at the center of the happiest anniversaries. Let’s keep love at the center of the painful ones as well.

Question: How has loved shaped your response to painful anniversaries? Comment below and help others to grow. 

The post When Anniversaries Aren’t Happy by Nathan A. Claycomb first appeared on NathanClaycomb.com. Enjoying what you’ve read? Subscribe in the upper right-hand sidebar to join me #fromwhereIsit.