The Arabic numbering system starts with a zero and ends with a 9. We can't imagine how our modern day numbering system which is based on the Arabic system would be without the zero. The tens, hundreds, thousands and millions are described as having a certain number of zeros behind. We think of zero having no value but essentially it is an inportant part of the numbering system and a matter of fact that cannot be ignored.
God created the universe out of nothing but only used his spoken word. 'Nothing' was something to God.
We attended a seminar for grieving persons in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. One of the things that struck me was an illustration given in the seminar in the form of a picture of a tall and huge but narrow looking hotel built in the typhoon prone area of Hong Kong overlooking the Repulse Bay. When viewed sideways the hotel looked like a thin card standing precariously on its edge and could easily be blown over by a strong gust of wind. The whole hotel looked one room deep.
The unique feature about this hotel was the presence of a void in the centre of the structure that allowed the passage of strong winds through the structure. This prevented the build up of structural stress during typhoons that could lead to the collapse of the building. Any attempt to close up the void would potentially cause the hotel to collapse. That 'zero' part of the structure became a very important and valuable part of the building's defence against typhoons.
The illustration pointed out that the loss of our loved ones would often leave a void in our lives that would always remain a part of us. Any attempt to fill out the void with activity and other things can cause undue stress. We can build around the void but not entirely close it. The empty void becomes an important and inseparable part of our life.
I have come to appreciate that this void or emptiness that we feel now will always be the place where memories of past experiences will be. We can't replace it with activities or attempt to cover it up. The void in us where Kathryn had been is legacy that will remain a part of us. God treasures and values that void and so must we.
17 October 2010
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Mark, thanks for sharing your thoughts as you go through the grieving process. The words are powerful and bring healing. You are a real good writer and I have been encouraged reading your postings.. C-E
ReplyDeleteThanks CE, writing is therapeutic is some ways for me. In finding my way. Mark.
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