1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (NKJV)

One morning in late August found me deadheading geraniums and collecting tomatoes from my garden. As we were approaching a change in season, I looked at a few plants that needed cutting back so that they will return next year. I couldn't remember if it was the proper time, so I turned to Google for answers. If my dad had been alive, I would have asked him. I learned a lot about gardening and life from my dad. I even have his gardening books from when he went to school, and I cherish these as I thumb through the pages of information, feeling just that little bit closer to my dad.

In England, my dad was a gardener and he was instrumental in making and tending the Garden of Remembrance in the cemetery where he worked. When we emigrated to Canada, he continued in his trade as a landscaper. Our front gardens were always well kept.

As I grew up, probably one of the more important lessons that I learned from him occurred when he let me use the riding lawn mower. I cut a swath right through the middle of the large front flower garden, as I was waving to the neighbour and wasn't watching where I was going.

Now that Mom and Dad are both with Jesus, if I have learned one thing in the past five weeks since my mom's passing, it is that Jesus and only Jesus can give me the comfort that I need. I am now an orphan on this earth, but what is in store to come for me is so much more. I have learned to lean into the greatest Gardener of all, Jesus. He tends my hurts and He sends the right people with the right words or gestures that soothe the soul. Yes, grief is individual and seasonal, but Jesus is right there with us through it all.

John 14:18 – I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. (NKJV)

What about you? How can you be a light and source of hope to someone today, and the day after that, and for all your days?

The passing of people in our lives will happen and affect us all. Even in our grief, we can still be a comfort to others in more ways than we know. We can tell our story to others. We can come alongside others during different seasons of their lives. Most importantly, I believe that as we draw close to Jesus, He will prompt us to draw close to others. If you were to pray about it, in the season in which you are now, how might Jesus use you? As He says, "I will come to you." He comes to us through other people, and He comes to other people through us.

Isaiah 41:10a – Fear not for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. (NKJV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, how do we ever thank You enough for what You have done for us? Thank You for being the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort that we have received from You. Amen.

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About the author:

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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