Is there really such a thing as “Good” Grief? You bet there is! Here’s why. First, we have something many of us simply do not
deserve – “A Good God!” I Know. Many people say that also, without really meaning it. But I have had two reasons to mean itvery recently.
For the past couple of weeks we have had a round, three-foot, aluminum-like tube with about a five-inch diameter lying on the edge of our lawn which the maintenance people have ignored. The other day I heard sounds coming from it, picked it up and shook it. Out came a nest with three little nestling birds. One escaped into the bushes before I could catch it, but I gently picked up the other two, determined to do as I have many other times. I fully intended to care for them until they were old enough to fly on their own. But you all know where the road of good intentions goes, don’t you? Within three days, despite my best efforts – (or perhaps because of them, which makes it all the worse), they both succumbed. I suffered a long siege of “Good Grief.” Especially when it finally hit me that He had had it under control in the first place and I didn’t have sense enough to leave well enough alone.
One of my sons, whom I have long loved deeply, (and will continue to do so until I can no longer continue to do anything), tried to console me by saying, “There are billions of birds in the world, Dad!” Of course, as is almost always the case, I didn’t have a comeback . . . until just this morning it hit me.
“What if we lose a child? Will it make us feel any better because there are over two BILLION other children in the world?!?”
I’m really glad I didn’t say that because it would have been cruel and selfish.
Finally, my whole point is simply – God is good when he gives us “Good” grief instead of the real stuff.
Think about it. Maybe it will hit you, too!
Mel Calvert
Humorist, Author, Motivational Speaker,
and Last of the Big Suspenders
5/24/2025
