The Banquet.
From Volume 2 - Essay #13
Written Monday, September 30, 2019 / Day 49 / Morning
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It was a fabulous
banquet. Everyone
was there. And
what a location -
elegant, uplifting -
it was a joy to be
in such a fabulous
environment.
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There was celebrating -
rejoicing.
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Even at the banquet, there were
issues though. Nothing major - life
is like that - problems for sure -
but solutions as well.
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Enjoying
such an
occasion
with friends
and family -
there could
not be a
more
incredible
time.
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And sharing it
with the one you
love more than
anything else in
the world -
there are not
words to describe
such joy.
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In such an environment - even a
fabulous banquet needs attention -
reminding us of all that it represents.
We embraced the moment - it was
special beyond words.
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The banquet continued
longer than anyone
could envision.
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But for you - on that
fateful day - you had to
leave the banquet.
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Leave the banquet and
all that it meant to you.
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You were
right in the
middle of
a meal.
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A sumptuous meal.
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One that was
outstanding in every way.
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But then you
had to go.
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Actually, they came to
inform you that you had
to leave.
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You saw them in the room
- those who came for you
- but gave it no mind -
you thought - they
weren’t there for you.
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But they were.
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And in the middle of that
incredible meal, in that wonderful
environment - you had to leave.
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Right in the very heart of it.
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Taken to a new location.
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A location that was not a
banquet at all.
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Certainly it
was
adequate.
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Surveying the scene - it
was just what you needed.
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There were elements of the
banquet there - but nothing
as magnificent.
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Nothing as grand.
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Yet in this new place
were all the elements
you needed.
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But the crowd was gone.
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The melodic and
soothing music was
not present.
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There was just
silence.
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And emptiness all
around you.
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And the one you love? They
were not asked to leave. They
had to stay. You had to leave.
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But you were right in the middle
of the meal. You didn’t even finish
what you had in front of you.
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And now, while your needs were
totally being met - there was not
your love with you to share it.
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You were alone.
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A knock on the door. A
friend to inquire about
how you are doing.
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Wondering why you weren’t
celebrating? And asking
when you would resume.
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You try to tell them - you
had to leave the banquet.
Right in the middle of it.
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But they struggle to
understand. They were
not interrupted.
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They are not alone.
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But you are.
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They leave - and
there you are.
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Longing for the banquet that
you never finished. The love
that was there that is now only
in your heart and memory.
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A lonely, sad place.
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A place where you will
have to find your way -
with God’s help.
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And find your
way you will.
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When it’s your time.
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You will always miss where
you were - but will embrace
the new world at some point.
You will always miss where
you were - but will embrace
the new world at some point.
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Just not today.
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The banquet is still too
fresh in your mind - and
in your heart.
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Yet the future will be there
when you are ready.
Only God knows when that
will be.
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And you trust in that
as you mourn.
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And cry.
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Grief is like that.
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Visit Facing Grief - The Essays at: EssaysonGrief.org
From Facing Grief - The Essays - Volume 2 - Essay #13