Joy and Sorrow Can Coexist

Dear Kindred Spirits in Christ,

During this beautiful season of both sun basked warmth and sudden storms, I find my emotions dramatically shifting, as I await what tomorrow will bring while continuing to miss all that is no longer with me. Although love never dies, our flesh surely does, and many of our loved ones departed from this earthly life when we least expected it. Or perhaps we knew it was coming, but dreaded the moment. We are rarely given a choice in the matter - and therein lies the sorrow of it.

Lamentations 1:12 says: Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which was brought upon me. Yet verse 3:22 states that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. And therein lies the joy of it all.

We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that in Him, we have eternal life beyond anything we can imagine. For those gone on, we can only guess at the splendor and breathtaking beauty of their lives now. When we allow our spirits to take the helm of our emotions, turning to the Holy Spirit for comfort and peace, we lift above our sadness.

Our humanity can be weak and influenced greatly by circumstances. We can't control the actions of others, or the difficult ramifications that our choices often bring. But we can trust our heavenly Father, regardless of what happens. He has a greater plan, a much greater vision, that we can't begin to comprehend. The years we spend here are but a vapor that disappears, a short blink of an eye in the face of eternity.

Romans 8:28 makes a profound promise. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

My prayer for each of us is that we temper our sorrows with the joys that remain in this life. One perfect day, we will all be reunited. Just imagine the moment and smile, giving God the glory He so richly deserves!

Love Always,

Marti