On Grief and The Resulting Beauty

Our little dog of 15 years developed a rare disease. Through sadness this last Resurrection Sunday we had to make the tough decision to put him to sleep. He went "the way of all the earth" as is said in Scripture. This invoked some powerful emotions within our family. The little guy was a good companion. He used to go with me for runs through the neighborhood; he dutifully sat and waited until I got home in the evening for his needs to be met, and he greeted me with a happy banging of his tail in the wee hours of the morning hapily anticipating a hug and embrace. He was almost always the first that greeted me at the door, as he were St. Peter keeping watch on the Gate. He was perhaps the warmest most-loving dog I have encountered in my years; like a good friend, he faded away...but he is in my heart.

I have endured much loss in the last three years. How do we deal with the grief here top-side of the earth? God reminds us in 2 Cor 1:4 ..." Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God". Our trials are to be the rich canvass by which we paint the soothing picture to bring beauty and healing to others. We are to be of comfort to those around us, where they will see our good works and glorify God our Heavenly Father (1 Pt 2:12). I am.