I have a friend who is a nurse. She loves her job at a low-income clinic. She loves helping people who are in great need. She excels at that and thrives on it.

We were friends when I required brain surgery, and she was there to help me during my recovery. She came by my house to check on my stitches, check for infection, and just to check on me. She is a comforter.

Before that ordeal, we were good friends. But after that ordeal, probably because of it, we became very close, lifelong friends. We remain very close even after I moved to a different state.

I was greatly blessed by my friend’s comfort. She was blessed by being able to use her skills and provide comfort to me when I truly needed it. And we are both blessed by the ongoing, deep relationship we forged because of that situation. But none of that blessing would have happened unless a doctor had told me I had a brain tumor. I mourned over that. Now I see the blessing that came of it.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

There are lots of opportunities for mourning in this life. And some of those experiences may fail to reap obvious blessings in this life. However, God promises blessing and comfort. If not in this life, then in the next. He loves to bring comfort, even more than my friend does. He is made out of love. If I bring my broken heart to God, He will assuredly provide the comfort I need.

Dear God,

Thank you so much for the unexpected blessing you have provided me during times of mourning in my life. Remind me to bring all my grief to you. Teach me how and when to comfort others and to lead them to you, as my comfort pales in comparison to yours.