Heartache and Comfort

This morning I sit staring at an empty terrarium. One that housed a sweet little crested gecko by the name of Mr. Kipling. A gecko that was well loved and cared for by my sweet B. A gecko that B spent time researching and learning about so that he knew best how to care for him. 

The last few days Mr. Kipling was beginning to weaken and unfortunately, he didn’t survive whatever illness he was fighting. We found out yesterday that all the crested geckos in the bunch that he came from were ill and there was only one survivor left, yet, he was too ill for the pet store to let us have in good conscience. In a week or so we’ll get another gecko and we’ll pray that he comes from a healthy bunch, but in the meantime, I’m watching my sweet boy’s heart break.

Last night as Brayden laid in bed bawling, I just held him and cried along with him. In part because I miss Mr. Kipling too, but mainly because there’s nothing quite like watching your children’s heart break and knowing there’s nothing you can do to take away the pain. It was gut wrenching. I would’ve done anything to take away the pain he was feeling.

The last few days have been heavy days for our community. There’s been loss that has wrecked the people around me. I’m watching friends ache and I’m watching a community ache. All the while I feel helpless.

It breaks your heart as a parent to see your children hurting. You want nothing more to comfort them in a way that eases the pain they’re feeling. My nature is to be a comfort to those all around me, to make things better, to be a source of strength, but last night as I felt helpless watching Brayden cry, I got a glimpse of what Jesus must feel as He watches His children weep.

I’m thankful for the reminder today that no matter what we’re walking through, Jesus is the most beautiful source of comfort and strength. I know the Father feels every broken heart and sees every tear. He is our greatest comforter in time of need and that comfort He provides us with enables us to comfort others.

Jesus, be near to those who need you today. Be near to me so that I can be a place of comfort to them. Be our strength. Be our hope. We need You.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

xoxo, Krista