At the Foot of the Cross

Original watercolor, given to us years ago by Bernadette Gockowski referred to in this post.
 I wish I remembered more clearly, but I brought it down from our room in the last 6 months/year to show someone, and I'm fairly sure it was Heidi. 

Today I am with the women at the foot of the cross. This painting is their vantage point as they look up, no doubt in shock, horror, incredulity at what appears to be cosmic devastation. I find consolation in their company. 

In John's Gospel, I find myself stopping at the phrase, "It was the day of Preparation..." The sun was still going to set and then rise on the Sabbath. Even when the Son of God died, the earth continued its orbit. I remember the acute numbness of fresh grief that made the progression of time feel like a scandal. 

It is a strange comfort to meditate on what these women endured, witnessing the brutal death of Hope Himself - the Messiah! And then what? Time goes on? What was the character of those days? They felt what I've felt, and so much more. 

Soon their sorrow will turn to joy, and mine will... 

...grace for today.

I am so grateful for companions who have born similar crosses, or desire to share the load simply out of love. Thank you.