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.