My youth pastor had this quote on his facebook post this morning. It said “Grief is the price we pay for love.” Those words were delivered by Queen Elizabeth to the famlies of the 250 British victims of 9/11. The words spoke to me and I began to think, “Is the cost worth it?”
Those who have walked with me these past 9 years know the cost was great. I said in an earlier blog I wrote, “My grief is a direct reflection of my love. I grieve deeply because I loved so deeply. My grief is big because my love was monumental. My grief is emotional because my love was passionate. My grief is never ending because my love is eternal. My grief is wholehearted because my love was unconditional. My grief is beautiful because my love was magnificent.” These words still ring true for me. But….Is it worth it?
Is it worth it to suffer all the pain? Is it worth it to shed so many tears? Is it worth it to have so many sleepless nights? Is it worth it to have grief sneak up on you like a thief in the night and steal your peace? Is it worth it to have grief hit you like a tsunami and push you under as if you are drowning in its power? Is it worth it to have your heart break into so many pieces you think you may not survive? Is love truly worth it?
I recently told my new husband, Mark, that he wasn’t allowed to die until 1 minute after I did. Although, it’s our standing joke, he has no idea how I pray that one day I’ll go first so as to never suffer such grief again. So, it begs the question, “Is love worth it?”
Although I can’t imagine ever suffering such grief again, I take that risk. Love is worth it. In my recent wedding vows I quoted King Solomon, “For I have found the one whom my soul loves”. With every ounce of my being, I once again love deeply, monumentally, passionately, eternally, unconditionally, and magnificently. I risk it all for love. Yes, true love is worth the price it may cost.
