My friend’s first thought was not for living grace.  She lay in her lap being comforted and held until the end.  As Sandee breathed her last, Jo assured her that she was loved. Jo needed dying grace. 

One minute walking around and then gone!  No more struggling to stand, just memories.  And oh, the memories – rescued 12 years ago as a scrawny pup in mid-winter.  Running to fetch a ball.  Accompanying Jo on a walk.  This vibrant dog was a constant companion for Fred, the family’s other furry friend.   Both were the center of attention for Jo and her husband. 

So beautiful the passing of a cherished pet.  I am not an animal person. This was my first time witnessing the passing of an animal at the vet’s office.  Both Jo and the doctor were so compassionate. It was a precious moment. Jo held her hand on Sandee’s heart until it stopped beating. 

Jo needed comfort after losing Fred a year ago and now Sandee. It was hard for her to be without a pet for the first time in many years. Many of my friends understand this pain, and losing a family member is just as hard.

This reminded me of the passing of my brother.  He was on a breathing machine with no hope of survival.  My family was instructed by the palative care nurse to talk to him even though he was not conscious.  It was a similar precious moment. 

Many have experienced the passing of a precious family member. Recently my friend breathed his last surrounded by family members and friends.  Our heavenly father provides what we need when we need it.  After all you don’t need dying grace until you experience death.

After the family leaves and friends call less frequently you begin the reality of living grace.  We need living grace – grace for today to face whatever we encounter.

It’s living without that person you cherished.  No longer a couple, you are single.  Making decisions by yourself.  Going places by yourself.  Eating by yourself –  and the TV or course. 

Or it could be living grace taking care of that person who has declined in both body and memory. We worry about those we love suffering and want to stop the pain, the decline. May I encourage you to ask the Lord for living grace for today. He will give it each day as we need it.  Don’t borrow troubles from tomorrow.  Just live today with the grace God provides.

²⁵ “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:25-27

He will provide what you need for tomorrow. Why worry about tomorrow  – for God is already there! He knows what you need before you ask.