SHARED SORROW
The funeral car was waiting. His adult children were signaling that it was time to go. He was so thankful for each of them. Johnny brushed the tears with the back of his weather beaten hand as he reluctantly left his beloved wife’s grave. Christina had died so suddenly.
Last Sunday she played the piano in church, went for a short afternoon nap and fell asleep in the arms of Jesus. Today was the following Thursday, the shock hadn’t even had time to settle. What would he ever do without Christina? With heavy heart, Johnny sadly made his way towards the funeral car.
Glancing across the cemetery, Johnny saw a weeping woman kneeling beside a tombstone.
Quickly, Johnny detoured, gently approaching the bereaved. A few soft words were exchanged. He pointed back in the direction of Christina’s grave. Understanding empathy caressed their brief conversation.
Johnny slowly knelt along side the heartbroken mother, placing his arm lightly across her shoulders. With bowed head Johnny tearfully prayed a prayer of comfort for the lady whose son had died too young. Johnny gave her a warm hug and with a kindly smile went to join his waiting children in the funeral car. Johnny smiled tenderly at each of his precious children. He still had them.
Johnny’s ministry happened quicker than it takes to tell about it. But it was so profound that no one will ever forget it! Johnny and Christina had always been comforters.
Christina would have done the same thing if she had seen the lady mourning. People who walk with Jesus unselfishly see beyond their own pain. “Surely He has born our griefs and carried our sorrows.” What a wonderful glimpse of Jesus at the graveside that day!
©2004-Marlene D. Bergman
