I recently had a tender experience that I’d like to share with you.
While in the car, traveling with my husband, I was reading aloud a short, Christmas story. I was touched by the message of the sweet story and as I finished, for some reason, my thoughts turned to three of my dear friends who had passed away these past couple of years. I was remembering and missing them and feeling a little sorry for myself.
A short time later, I noticed a notification on my FB from someone I didn’t know. As I clicked on the post, to my wonder, I saw a picture of one of those very dear friends!
Within half an hour of remembering my friend and feeling sad, I had received a gentle, compassionate reminder of the friendship and joy she had brought to my life!
This was a tender mercy that strengthened and lifted me.
David A. Bednar defined the tender mercies of the Lord as “the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.”
He continues by saying, “The tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them.”
Are you experiencing tender mercies that you perhaps, are not yet recognizing?
Are there times when you receive:
- a phone call from a friend when you most need it?
- a smile from a stranger that gladdens your heart?
- a text, out of the blue, reminding you, that you are loved?
- an insight that comes to you that helps you solve a problem?
- a song on the radio that brightens your day?
- a helping hand that eased your burden?
- a lesson learned that expands your ability to empathize with others?
- the desire and ability to forgive?
- wise words that brought you comfort?
- a strength you didn’t know you had?
I believe these and many other tender mercies are much more than just coincidences and that the key is to receive and acknowledge them as blessings that come through faith in Jesus Christ.
I encourage you during this Christmas season to look for and recognize those tender mercies and acknowledge the divine source from which they come.
I’d love to hear of the tender mercies that you have recently received. Share below if you feel so moved.
Much love,
