Gather Every Fragment

"Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost."// John 6:12

I live in the Arizona desert. The dirt here feels parched, but the land is not barren. Through jagged rocks and thorny plants, flowers bloom. There is life in the desert.

Last year I desperately needed this reminder. Last year my husband and I were in a desert of grief and pain. My father-in-law passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Mere days after his passing, we suffered a miscarriage. All felt parched. All felt barren. My heart felt jagged and thorny. I felt completely alone.

As I sat in Mass, tearfully watching as smoke from the incense swirled and floated to the hanging crucifix, I thought of the Cross. I thought of the horrific death inflicted upon Our Lord. I thought of this instrument of tremendous torture. And I thought of how Jesus made it beautiful.

Like a bloom in the desert, life burst forth. Life that is everlasting.

Sister, some seasons we feel alone. Seasons where we search for nourishment and wonder how we can find peace amid so much discord. Times in our lives where we ache to be filled with love.

This place is where we find Jesus. We find endless love pouring from His heart. A love that will transform us. A love that will nourish us. A love that will give us peace.

Nothing will be lost. Not a single tear you shed. Not a single prayer you utter. Not a single moment you give to the Lord. All of it will be gathered up.

I invite you to place every fragment of your heart beneath the flood of mercy pouring from the wounded side of Jesus. Imagine yourself there under the torrent of grace. Place every fragment, and He will make them whole.

We find endless love pouring from His heart. // Leana Bowler Click to tweet

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