Grief

Today, it crossed my mind to wonder whether what I'm feeling is because I'm, in a way, dealing with Grief over my "thorn". Typically, the seven stages of grief are: 1) Denial, 2) Anger, 3) Bargaining, 4) Depression, and 5) Acceptance. I thought I had reached Acceptance; but, it seems that I've reverted to Depression. I've long worked through Denial, and neither remember being Angry much, nor spending much time with Bargaining. But, Depression.... hmmm..... that is a very familiar stage. I know that I have so much to be thankful for; and I've learned to be generally content and even sometimes joyful. But, occasionally, the sadness will hit with a powerful blow that will send me reeling. I wonder if it is normal to vacillate between the last two stages. And, that's where I find myself. Last year, I seemed to have reached Acceptance; but, this year, Depression is more common. I wonder if it is because the Hope just won't die? Or is it because I catch glimpses of remote possibility? Or, is it because looking around causes me to feel the pain of my "thorn" more deeply, with a little bit of a sense of injustice? But, even now, I know that "injustice" is not right. I trust God to know what is best for me. He loves me, and this "thorn" is not to be lamented, but rather to be appreciated, for it has taught me that His grace is sufficient for me.