September Blog

The Power of “Re”

By Bruce McLeod

Hi. I’m Bruce McLeod, the leader of The Widows Project’s outreach to widowed men. I’m here today to talk with you about the power of Re. Now, what does that mean? Some examples are going to help: re-newing, re-creating, re-cognizing, re-building, re-setting, re-aligning, re-covering, re-charging, re-envisioning, re-flecting, re-connecting, re-grouping.

Now, Re is always important in our lives, but it’s most especially important when we’re grieving. Why do I say “most especially”? Well, number one, grieving is hard work. It takes a lot of effort and energy. It takes a lot of emotional involvement. Re-inventing oneself, or allowing God to re-invent oneself, is also hard work. Change is hard work. And finally, flogging the dog just doesn’t work very well. “Flogging the dog” is a phrase from my youth that just means driving oneself past the point of exhaustion and effectiveness.

So, what’s a recipe for good Re? First of all, get away from your daily pressures – the tasks, the stressors that pull you away from connecting with God. And, number two, go where you do connect well with God. That’s why I’m here at the beach. I did a lot of my Re right here, on this beach. Do what fills your tank while you’re in this place -whatever that is. And, do it until your tank is full. Finally, do it again, and again and again. Make it a lifestyle. Good Re is a lifestyle.