Friday, May 08, 2009

Joy.

A couple of weeks ago I had coffee with some other women who had also lost children. I really did not want to go, I just thought it would be too hard, but I am so thankful I went. One thing that they said to me has stood out and I have thought and prayed a lot about it. They told me that I would feel joyful again. Really. I just cannot imagine feeling joyful. I mean, I don't walk around crying all the time, and I do laugh, but joyful. no. The funny thing is my favorite verse while I was in high school was about this. I even put it on sympathy cards to comfort others. I never once thought about it in my situation though. I have been seeking Bible verses to comfort me and I never even thought about the verse I had used to comfort others. Then the other day I went to my dad's house. I had written the verse in calligraphy in high school art class and my mom had framed it. I loved it because it reminded me that even though we have sorrow and grieve now, our joy ultimately comes from God. It is John 16:22 and Jesus was ascending into Heaven and leaving His disciples. He recognized their grief and comforted them.
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

6 comments:

Rhonda said...

What a wonderful comfort. I say it's not odd, it's God.

Ang said...

praying you will find your new joy and be able to center in that new space.

Julie said...

I'm so happy that you found some comfort in an unexpected place. God is good.

Rebecca said...

In a recent email, a new friend wrote these words: Know that somewhere down the road is true joy. I do believe it, even if I don't "feel" it. I felt like she was telling me that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel. I might not be able to see it now, but I am reassured that it IS in fact there.

Give yourself time. Know that the joy WILL come. Probably when you least expect it too :>)

StephF said...

Sorry I am so late reading this. It will take some time, but it will come again. Love you.

adafloyd said...

I am so glad you went to have that coffee. Know that those groups - those friendships - contain some of that joy and some of the best healing you can ever find.

Happy Mother's Day, to a beautiful mom - to three beautiful children.