The bus bounced along on the unpaved road leading to Mount Saint Helens. Ash left by the now quiet volcano blew in the open windows. The tour guide suddenly stopped the bus and said, "Everyone look to your left." All heads turned. Then the driver laughingly said, "There's nothing special down there, folks. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention." Nothing special? I saw plenty! Lava had destroyed everything in its path. Experts predicted a long time before any return of life. But their predictions were wrong. It was only three years later and our guide was pointing out a new lake. Silt had settled and fish swam the rivers. Wild flowers bloomed and bears prowled. God was healing the land.

I had felt as devastated as the Mount Saint Helens landscape when our tiny daughter, born prematurely, lived only through the night. My husband and I felt as if nothing would ever matter again. We were wrong. God did not leave us alone with our grief. He sent friends to comfort, love and listen.

One friend said, "God does not always walk in our door, but He sends our friends." They had no answers for our "Whys." They just obeyed God's command to comfort us—and comfort they did. Some brought food. One friend helped with housecleaning when I felt paralyzed by grief. Another took me to the cemetery and held me while I cried. Some sent notes of remembrance and care. Others listened while I told and retold the events surrounding our baby's delivery and death.

Does a hurt devastate your heart today? Healing takes time, but maybe not as long as you think. Today, let a friend touch you as you share your grief. You will be receiving God's own healing touch.

Thank You, Father, for showing us that weeping doesn't last for ever. May I let others help me toward healing and renewal. Amen.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.....
—Romans 15:13

—Flossie Noltemeier