Finding our way through loss (3)

Jesus was never too busy to show compassion to hurting people. One of the best ways to recover from our own loss is to take our memories and turn them into motivators, then reach out in love to others who are hurting. When someone is mourning the loss of a loved one, we might feel awkward and unsure what to say or do. But often it’s not our words or actions that make the difference – it’s simply our presence and love. When two teenagers died in a car accident, their parents decided to have a joint wake. Over a thousand people attended, with some of them waiting up to three hours to comfort the bereaved families. When one man who’d stood by himself in line finally reached the front, he said, ‘I don’t know your children and I’ve never met you. But I came here tonight because I had a son who died two years ago. I know how it feels. In the days ahead you’ll go through every emotion you can imagine. I just want you to know that I’m here for you if you ever need to talk.’ Then he pressed his business card into their hand and walked away. A stranger gave three hours of his time to people he didn’t know, because he wanted to help them through the most tragic experience of their lives. If we’ve been through the grieving process ourselves, we’re in a great position to help a friend find their way through it. It’s in reaching out to others that we become more like Jesus, and we ourselves are made whole.