Family ties are a powerful connection during stressful life events. My siblings and I have spent more time together and are closer than we have been in years. I reminisced with many cousins, too rarely visited amid the busyness of life. We reflected on the wonderful legacy passed to us by previous generations.
Friends and compassionate co-workers are a source of great encouragement and comfort. Awkwardly worded condolences are valued more than eloquent but passionless expressions of sympathy. Hugs are priceless.
Music penetrates the depths of the soul. A pianist with a remarkable God-given talent ministered to us through timeless hymns of the church. Music is a balm that soothes deeply in our hour of greatest need.
The Body of Christ is at its best when performing acts of mercy. It’s hard to imagine anyone navigating these days without connection to a faith family. While the hands we saw were those of our local church family, I am also reminded that we are supported by brothers and sisters around the world. Our niece in Tanzania, and we in turn, were blessed by the believers surrounding her who conducted a memorial service for her grandpa, singing the same hymns that were played at the funeral thousands of miles distant.
The God of the ages uses modern technology to bring comfort! I complain daily about technology, but it was technology that permitted a niece and two nephews to see and hear Grandpa and to say their good-byes. Modern medicine was not able to provide a cure, but it did provide relief in Dad’s final days. Thank you, Lord, for insights into mysteries of Your universe that have enabled humankind to enhance communication and provide medical interventions.We sense God’s presence best in quiet times through simple means. A stunning double rainbow the evening of the day of Dad’s funeral was a reminder to us, as it was to Noah, of God’s enduring faithfulness.
I knew these things. Now I understand with renewed clarity.
