Grateful for Tender Mercies

It’s been a moment. 

I haven’t written a Weekly Insight for a few weeks because of traveling with family.

My husband and I traveled to Peru to visit our daughter who lives there.

It was an amazing experience!

Meeting wonderful people, seeing incredible places, getting sick while traveling, all led me to a greater appreciation for the blessings of life! 

Though there are many fascinating things I could relate, I want to share with you a few of the tender mercies.

Some people call them coincidences.

I see them as tender mercies.

Little things that remind me that people are good, and that I am being watched over by a loving Father in Heaven.

1st Tender Mercy

On the flight returning to the United States, I was concerned that I had not planned enough time to get through customs before needing to board the connecting flight. 

Who should I end up sitting by, but a gate agent who knew all the ins and outs of that process?!

She agreed that it was a close connection, but that if I did everything she said, we’d be okay.

She explained where we needed to go, and what we needed to do so we could get through more quickly. 

She even walked as far as she could with us to help us on our way.

We made it fine.

I was grateful for that tender mercy.

2nd Tender Mercy

Though I speak Spanish, I struggled to explain my symptoms to the pharmacist after developing a head cold.

The pharmacist not only patiently helped me figure out what I needed, but poured a tincture into my hands to breathe in.

This opened my airways and helped me breathe.

She didn’t need to do that after I’d already paid and was on my way out, but she called me back and her kindness made the difference.

I was grateful for that tender mercy.

3rd Tender Mercy

On the long, night-time flight to Lima I passed a cough drop back to a man who was struggling to keep his cough quiet.

He accepted gratefully.

Why was I surprised  when on my long, night-time flight returning to the U.S. that a woman behind me graciously passed me a cough drop when I struggled to keep my cough quiet?

I was grateful for that tender mercy.

I could go on and on with countless acts of kindness.

Each event by itself may seem small and insignificant, but I’ve realized that tender mercies are happening daily throughout my life.

And I believe they are also happening in yours.

During this Thanksgiving season, I invite you to recognize and give thanks for the many tender mercies that bless your life.

Much love and Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,