"They are in a better place," is almost always the wrong thing to say to a grieving family. But it may be just the thing to say to a Care Pastor, a hospice nurse, a funeral director, a paramedic...

It was a difficult Holy Week when I was invited to do two funerals and was closely connected to three patients in Hospice Care.

A schedule that is frequently filled with sickness, tragedy and death is emotionally heavy.

Thankfully the hopeless season of life can be temporary.

"Easter reminds us that your work is going to be undone," were my words to a colleague who plans funerals for a large church. Responding to her puzzled expression I explained, "I don't mean the support you gave families during their time of loss was of no value. It was valuable beyond measure. But, because of the historical fact of the resurrection of Jesus, we can believe in life after death and the resurrection of the dead (I Corinthians 15). All those graves are going to be open someday. What we see now is not the end of the story."

As we offer care, we can do it with a feeling of transcendence.  What we see and feel in the present when things are at their darkest, is not the whole picture. There is something more. Something wonderful. Something victorious.

We can find the strength to care, over and over again with the hope that there is a better place and "everlasting life." (John 3:16). In the right way and at the right time, we may be able to share that transcendent message.

Easter is the time for that message. 

I hope this post helps you offer the best care, especially as you frequently face fragile and temporary life on Earth.