When you lose someone you love, it is hard to imagine not touching them or hearing their voice again. I believe God allows us to be touched by heaven. He allows us to undeniably know that our loved ones are still with us. He promises those who mourn, comfort.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 NIV).

Recently, we experienced our first Minnesota snow. Every year at first snow, I call my mom and with delight say, “It’s snowing!” She would respond saying she knew I would call and that I am the only one excited about it.

This year, I immediately thought to call Mom followed by the realization that she’s not here to call. My heart sunk a little. I headed down to my computer to get to work.

A couple of hours later, I looked over at a picture of Mom. Suddenly, I felt a warm embrace across my shoulders, and the brush of cool, soft skin on my cheek. I knew instantly it was her. We always touched cheeks when we hugged. I was touched by heaven.

It is easy to think my mind is playing tricks on me. However, I believe the promise in Matthew that I will be comforted. Is there a better way to be comforted than to know without a doubt that the person you love is still with you?

Grief is tricky, lengthy and sometimes overwhelming. Knowing she is with Jesus is helpful. Feeling her cheek against mine is comforting. God cares about our hearts. He cares about our pain. When you care, you try to bring relief, and that’s exactly what he did. That is exactly what He does for each of us. We do need to expect it and look for it. Her hugs were the best. God knows they bring me comfort. For you, it could be something entirely different. Maybe it is a song, a bird, a smell, the point is too pay attention to the little unexpected moments that bring them closer to our hearts.

Have you been touched by heaven? How does God bring you comfort? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.