Jesus often proclaimed the existence of blessings in some of the most unlikely places. Just listen to this: "Blessed are you who weep now…"(Lk. 6:21). Or how about this: "Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of man" (Lk. 6:22). Of course, he goes on to add explanation to these pronouncements.

We all know that a blessing is a good thing. Being human, we are all desirous of them. But, I just cannot imagine crowds clamoring to take hold of this particular bounty.

Rightly, God declares, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" (Is. 55:8). How often we regard someone’s financial prosperity and remark, "He is certainly blessed." Show us the person who has found happiness in a fulfilling relationship or the individual at the pinnacle of a successful career and we sigh, "Oh, if only God so favored me." What is our assessment, however, of the life visited by grief? What do we say of those buffeted by failure? Surely heaven cannot be smiling upon these unfortunates. And yet, beholding the sorrowful, Jesus makes a startling announcement: "Blessed are those who mourn…" (Mt. 5:4).

Who are the mourners?

The most common definition of a mourner would be someone bereaved of a loved one. Although this is an apt description, the word can also be used in a broader application and include any who are sorrowful, grieving, suffering or in pain. For example, unfulfilled expectations can rob us of hope and leave us disillusioned and dejected. Bad consequences from past decisions can plague with a lifetime of regret. Failures. Rejections. Disappointments. All of these, and more, can leave us deeply grieving. They also immediately qualify us for the mourner’s blessing.

The Mourner's Blessing of Comfort 

Children were sometimes used as examples in Jesus’ teachings. I have discovered that there is still much we can learn by observing their behavior.

One warm sunny afternoon, the allure of an outdoor swing-set nestling in my neighbor’s back yard proved an irresistible temptation for my visiting two-year-old niece. Spindly legs scurried toward the compelling prize--a steady stream of unrecognizable chatter spilled from giggling lips as round eyes brightened in delighted anticipation.

Suddenly, the neighbor’s large dog that had been quietly napping in seclusion awoke and noticed the approaching visitor. He came bounding from almost out of nowhere barking a loud vigorous greeting. Terror of the unexpected four-legged intruder quickly supplanted all of the child’s joyous imaginations. A loud wail replaced excited laughter as she made a hasty retreat. Small clenched hands quickly thrust aside my own outstretched arms. Instead, she frantically scrambled into her mother’s lap and hung on for dear life. Disappointments and fears were tearfully bellowed into compassionate listening ears.

As my little niece sat cradled securely in trusted arms--soothed with soft words--calmed by the familiar touch of loving hands, all woes were forgotten. Laughing eyes soon beamed once again, eager to explore their wondrous world.

Children are well aware that whenever they are hurting a precious moment awaits. Concerned parents will rush to them with undivided attention. Lovingly, the child will be gathered up and consoled in a special way.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Mt. 5:4). We can rest assured that God will administer the same tender care to us whenever we are injured. This promise He makes to all mourners.