Mourn

 We had to put our dog, Onyx, down today.  

And like has often happened, some Christ-like love from another helped lift me.

As I go through life, I am always watching and learning for new ways to add to my “how to serve and minister to others” list.

George reached out to our neighbor to see if we could bury Onyx in his field  behind our house where Onyx loved to walk and chase squirrels.  

His response was not only sweet, but also a simple but profound example of how to mourn with those who mourn.

He texted George saying, “I placed a couple of shovels in the back along the driveway.  The ground there is really sandy and there’s no roots/grass clumps.  I would be happy to help you dig.”

He put things he knew we would need in easy reach.  

He thought about possible obstacles.  

He offered specific help.

And then he shared his condolences.

Bishop H Burke Petersen reminded, “He has stated simply: If we are to be the Savior’s disciples, if we are to become like him, then we must serve one another, then we must assume responsibility to help with one another’s needs, then we must assist each other through the thorny pathways of life.”

Sometimes that love is as simple as two shovels set out along the driveway.