Don’t let the rain put out your fire… some winning thoughts by Jim Winner Greetings from the front porch of my cabin in Cook Forest State Park in western Pennsylvania. For the past three days, it’s been raining off and on… mostly on. When I’m here, one of my favorite things to do is to keep a fire burning. On this trip, it’s been a challenge! No matter how much I stack the wood and how brightly it burns for a while, another round of storms comes in and drowns out the flames. I’m not smart enough to stop trying. When the rain stops, I rebuild the fire. As I was building yet another fire this afternoon, I realized what a parallel this is to the last five years of my life.

Next week will mark five years since my wife Joyce’s passing. Emotionally, I’ve experienced everything from sprinkles to severe storms. At other times, I’ve enjoyed brightly burning fires, flickering embers, and everything in between. I know you have, as well.

If you’re reading this article, you’re a fellow traveler on the journey of loss, grief, and restoration. You may be before me or ahead of me; however, you’re on the same road. You are on this journey, and you’re going to walk through many storms.

Here’s what I know. The fires we light represent hope. Hope for many things. Maybe it’s hope for a “chapter 2”. Maybe it’s hope that someday you’ll be reunited with your late spouse. Maybe it’s hope that you regain a life that is restored in a way that brings you joy. Don’t lose that hope.

Conversely, the storms represent all the tough times. The storms are our getting through the anniversaries of significant days. They’re accepting and realizing the fact that your life with her is over. They’re facing times alone that nobody wants to face. For those of you who are new to the widowhood journey, you will face several storms. The good news is the storms will not last. As a matter of fact, as you go down the road, these storms will lessen. That may be hard to believe. Trust me, though, it’s true.

I want to encourage you to keep building your fire. Keep the flames burning bright. Maybe it’s through your affiliation with church, friends, family, job or anything that brings you joy. I hope you invest your time and energy. Keep feeding those flames. The storms will come. Some will be light, and some will be severe. They’re to be expected.

In closing, I want to remind you to enjoy those days when everything feels good—and don’t feel guilty about feeling good. Keep that fire stoked. When it rains, remember that no storm lasts forever. And, most importantly, keep the wood dry. You can use it for your next fire.

Blessings, brothers.