When you are sad or lonely
PATHWAY TO HIS PRESENCE
B.J. FUNK
Mercy danced around me that day, but I was too preoccupied to notice. Mercy’s ballet was slow and beautiful, a soft melody preceding each step. Mercy
was tender, kind and inviting. However, I had already given the key to my heart to grief, sadness, loss, and loneliness. Mercy would have to wait for better times, happier times. I did not want her to dance.
“Let me be,” I begged. “You cannot begin to understand the pain I feel, the grief that sleeps on my pillow beside me. Just let me be.”
Mercy thought, “I’ll find a way. Somehow, I will find a way to reach over and through the grief, sadness, loss, and loneliness.” She smiled with the thought.
The first note came that same day, deposited by the Post Office. The next note came through email. One note found its way to my front door, and there it stayed, tucked and resting, until it became mine. A child’s note brought the first hint that maybe, eventually, I would be able to smile. And, on and on it went, my basket overflowing with note after note of mercy.
I began to feel more relief when I picked up my Bible. “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning …” (Lamentations 3:22-24)
I got out of my chair, gave my hand to mercy … and we danced.
The Rev. B.J. Funk, associate pastor of Central UMC in Fitzgerald, has written a book with 50 devotionals on grief based on her personal experience. “Grief is not a Permanent Condition: 50 Devotionals to Help You Through the Grieving Process” points the reader to Jesus and the hope found in Him. Visit www.bjfunkgrief.com for more information and to order. Email Rev. Funk at bjfunk@bellsouth.net.
