There is a saying, “No news is good news.”
I don’t know if that is always true…for me, I’d much rather be writing something positive and upbeat. So no news is, well, no news.
How does one right about the mundanity of every day life, or the pain that is a regular part of it, without sounding negative? Yet, the truth is, life is like that for many of us. It is hard to reconcile the mix of emotions and facts of every day with the walk of faith. But if our Savior could do it, surely that is a lesson for us.
I’m rambling, but maybe I’m also thinking as I ramble – that is a huge difference between happiness and joy. If I’m going to be totally truthful, I am not happy. In fact, most days I start out weeping before the Lord, mourning my losses and asking Him to bring comfort and strength for the day. And in those moments, I find the underpinning of joy as He again reminds me of His utter trustworthiness and faithfulness in every circumstance. He reminds me that my job is to be faithful to Him and to remember that HE is the one who is responsible for the results. Only He can touch others and change hearts. I can be HIS tool, but HE is the one that causes growth and change.
Strength for each new day comes with each new day. So for now, there is no real news. I get up, I pray, I start working on my contracts, help around the house, sleep, and then a new day begins. I am thankful for HIS goodness and HIS faithfulness, as it is written:
This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him.”
(Lamentations 3:21-25 NAS95)
Know that you have our prayers and support, even if we’re not there with you physically. I don’t know what it’s like to lose a spouse. But I just buried a good friend of mine of more than 30 years, this after losing my daughter-in-law’s sister just past 40 years old, in both cases to rampaging cancer that was diagnosed way too late, the patient in one case succumbing roughly three weeks after diagnosis. The Lord is the Lord: He knows what He’s doing. We can only trust. While we’re in the maelstrom, it’s difficult to hang onto this anchor. But He is faithful, even if we are not. And as the saying has it, sorrow shared is sorrow divided; joy shared is joy multiplied.
God bless you in your heartache; joy comes in the morning.
Kevin
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this painful time. Be comforted with what you already know,
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE.” Jeremiah 29:11
With love and blessings,
Rittie
I’m so glad to read anything that you write, Debbie. I’m so glad to hear what you have to say. You have been and are a blessing to me, even as I understand your grief. God *is* faithful. We are not orphans–He will help us but we must wait on His time and you are right to see Him that way. Please do pray for me–I am praying for you!!
You have had a very difficult year, losing a dearly loved husband is a terrible loss, and moving, etc…it’s all hard.
I feel rather mundane most of the time, it’s hard to find ways to feel significant or useful. I have to try to find value in my daily life, and do what I do with some drive and purpose. Valleys aren’t a lot of fun.
Your loss is great Deb. and mourning takes time … we have no need to justify our humanity, when our Lord Himself cried.
May God give you rivers of special JOY in this special season. Christ was born … Joy to the World ! Joy to us the Sheep of His pastures …
Rose-Marie