Sunday, December 24, 2017

Dear God,

Every Christmas Eve some beautiful gift is given to me.  It is rarely a tangible gift but rather one that is more costly and valuable.  This Christmas Eve gift was perhaps the best of all.

My sister has been grieving.  Her pain has filled her soul to overflowing.  The sorrow of losing her son in a deliberately-set fire threatens her every moment.  She rises from her bed every morning but she carries the weight of grief every moment of every day.

This morning we went to worship together.  Following the service she asked if we could step in line to speak a moment to the preaching pastor.  When we finally stood before him, she said her name.  He paused for a moment never having met my sister before.  Then her name came to him.  His whole self changed as he went from happy preacher of a huge church to the face of the compassionate Jesus.  He wrapped her in his arms and told her how horrible was the tragedy she was enduring.  He passed his compassion right into my sister.  His love and kindness was like the biggest, most beautiful gift one could ever receive.  As we started to walk away he offered to help in any way he could.

As we drove away my sister was comforted in her soul.  Later when the snow was falling with a winter weather advisory and we realized it was too dangerous to get out on slick roads for the evening Christmas Eve service, I realized my gift had come early.

Blessed God,
you bless
like no other.
You are mercy.
You are love.
You are compassion.
Thank you
for helping
my sister
and allowing me
to see
help arrive
in such
a beautiful way.

Forever yours, Andrea