A couple at my church had been together for a long time. They were a great team and loved each other very much.

But, sadly, one day the husband passed away. The church and the widow’s children helped her as much as they could, but nothing could fill the hole that he had left behind.

The day before the husband died, a dog started wandering around their yard and wouldn’t leave.

Now, this lady loves helping animals. She knows all the stray cats of the neighborhood by name and puts food and water out for them. So, no one was surprised when she started putting food out for this dog as well.

Over time, it came to trust her. She took it to the vet to keep it healthy. And the dog would guard her house, barking if anyone came near.

Of course, the dog was no substitute for her human husband. But caring for it gave her something to focus on other than her grief. She believes that God sent her that dog to protect her and help her through mourning her husband.

God never promised that life would be easy, but He has promised to be with us through life’s ups and downs and to care for those of us who mourn.