No one enjoys a funeral. Death, even death of a believer, leaves a sinking feeling of loss. When the day is shrouded in dark clouds, the heart beats to deep notes, the “accidentals” of a keyboard. Solemn faces of family and friends share grief. Unity in the midst of strangers.
On occasion the Lord shows up in unpredicted, unforgettable ways.
I sat in a pew mesmerized. The sun broke through and momentarily stayed itself, shining through the pieces of glass. Peace graced my heart. The beauty of brokenness. No wasted glass, no wasted suffering. The colors of broken fragments melded together in unison. The imperfect shapes designed in perfection.
Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, held a lamb gently to His chest. The window, a mosaic, pictured our Lord’s care in life and in this moment, even death.
No one doubted the tender care which God displayed during the life of my friend. But death often leaves us with questions – the why’s of God’s timing and reason for suffering. In loving ways He reaches down to comfort. He uses a tool that soothes the heart in ways only He knows is possible. For me, broken glass in a broken moment, renewed my spirit. I felt as close to the Shepherd as the held little lamb. I pictured my friend in resurrected life, being held also.
Darkness replaced by light. A needed moment.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3
Your picturesque description of the Lord showing up in the middle of sorrow is truly comforting! Beautifully written, friend.