Today, I am taking a prompt out of my book, Journaling for Discovery and Delight. I wrote this collection of prompts before I was 50-years-old. And before losing my both parents, and my only child. It’s different now to ponder such things. It’s harder and maybe more poignant. I am now a decade older and many more losses later.
Grief, loss, and suffering are all realities this side of eternity. I don’t know what you believe. As for me, I am a Christian. I know what I am supposed to believe. I know what Scripture says. But in my humanity…oh, wretched soul that I am, I still have my doubts, questions and struggles. I still bleed like everyone else and weep I for what I can’t see… or know for sure. Such is the life of faith. Still I cling to hope, faith and love- trusting the One I can’t see now, yet still believe. It’s enough to know the God I know. It His name I have continued to hold on to all these years.
Let’s get to today’s prompt. Please know, if you are newly grieving, or feel this is too much for you at this time, OR you are uncomfortable with the focus of today’s prompt you can take a “special pass” with the alternative prompt I am providing-Option #3.
Option 1: You have a One Day Pass to visit heaven and spend the day with a loved one who has gone on ahead. What will you want to say or do?
Alternatively: Make a list of those who have passed, or choose just one person to focus on that has had some influence, impact, or significance in your life. Write out a brief prayer to God for each one, thanking Him for their contribution to your life and His amazing grace and infinite knowledge. Praise God with your pen for His unfathomable and faithful ways, and for Jesus, the One who makes Heaven possible for all who believe.
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:31-33)
Option 2: Respond to one of the below quotes as you ponder and reflect, capture your fresh thoughts on paper! (or respond to all or part of the scripture above which was included in Option 1/Matthew 10:31-33)
“What they do in heaven we are ignorant of; what they do not do we are told expressly.” ~ Jonathan Swift
The doctrine of the Kingdom of Heaven, which was the main teaching of Jesus, is certainly one of the most revolutionary doctrines that ever stirred and changed human thought. ~H. G. Wells
He whose head is in heaven need not fear to put his feet into the grave. ~Matthew Henry
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ooking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.- Hebrews 12:1-2
Option 3: Special Pass. Write a list of people who have been a blessing or source of encouragement to you in the past month, week or year – depending on your capacity at the moment!
After compiling the list, circle one name and write a THANK YOU note in your journal but to that person.
It’s up to you whether you decide to rewrite it and send it -or not. Use your own discernment! This exercise is more about cultivating gratitude within and refocusing the mind. You get to choose when and if you want to take things outside your journal. Respect your privacy and choice. Write freely from the heart in your journal. Editing comes only when and if you decide to take it out of your private realm. Freedom is a generous gift we can give ourselves.
Thank you for joining in to SUMMER JOURNAL 2025! Catch all the prompts on the page.
Enthusiastically, Dawn
Enthusiastically, Dawn 