Bible Reading: Matthew 14:13-21; Ephesians 2:1-7
When Emma came into the living room, tears were falling from Mom's eyes onto her lap. Dad sat next to her with a hand on her shoulder. "It's Grandma," he told Emma. "She died in the hospital this morning."
Emma stared out the window. With Grandma gone, who'd come visit every month? Who'd cook her favorite foods, or go on bike rides and picnics with her?
A few days later Mom, Dad, and Emma made the long drive to the funeral. Emma tried to listen during the service. The pastor said, "Ephesians 2:6-7 tells us that God raises us up with Jesus--He gives us spiritual life as well as the promise of physical resurrection when He comes again--so that we will forever show 'the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.'"
After the service Mom didn't seem as sad while she visited with her sisters. Emma felt like something was missing, and her heart ached.
On their drive home, they stopped at a restaurant. Emma saw something strange on the menu. She asked, "What do they mean by 'bottomless cup of coffee?' That sounds messy."
Dad laughed a little, and even Mom smiled. "That means they'll keep filling your cup as long as you want more coffee," Dad explained.
Mom added, "It's like when Jesus fed the five thousand. He fed people until they were full. Then He gave even more. There's no end to how much He gives us and does for us."
Dad said, "It's that way for your grandma now. God will spend all eternity showing kindness to her in heaven."
"But what about us, Dad? I don't feel full. I feel kind of empty."
"We lost a great treasure in Grandma, and that can make us feel poor instead of rich. But God will never run out of mercy and kindness. He's rich in both of those--and generous."
Mom nodded. "God gave us the greatest treasure of all when He gave His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to save us so we could be with Him now and forever. Jesus promises to be with us when we feel sad and give us comfort and peace."
Emma smiled. "It's like a bottomless cup of His love."
–Laura Roesler
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