Where is the joy when you are experiencing pain or grief? Is there joy?
It seems that darkness pervades our world this time of the year. The days are shorter, some days it’s like the day turns to night as quick as a switch around 5pm. The commercialism of Christmas is in every store, each one playing a merry tune, hoping you will buy, buy, buy. Many people are having a hard time right now, financially or emotionally, or experiencing loss. Isn’t this supposed to be wonderful?
Everyday this week, I have received sad news. People in the hospital, and an unexpected passing. My heart is aching, and all I can do is ask “Why God? Why now?” God did not answer me. I don’t know His plan for the suffering and grief that I see around me right now.
Jesus was born to bring us comfort and joy. It can be hard to find the joy in the sadness. On my annual retreat the year after my dad passed, the song God rest ye merry gentlemen was on a loop in my head. Tidings of comfort and joy. I can be comfort (and maybe joy) to those who are experiencing a loss, or going through a hard time. I have been there.
Maybe that is the plan. If we suffer and grieve, we can really be with others in their grief and suffering. I can’t take it away, but I can offer words of support, prayers, a meal, or make cookies with kids to distract them a bit, give moments of laughter. What if I can use my experience to bless others?
Moments of kindness and joy happen all the time. An angel appeared in my own angel this week. I was feeling very sad Wednesday morning and went to my chiropractor appointment. Often I see some of the same people when I go, and this time, the person right before me gave me a kind, unexpected gift. I had seen him a few times, but had not actually talked with him until Wednesday. He didn’t know how his kindness would change my day. We often don’t know.
God sends us reminders of his love, exactly when we need it. Even in the hard or sad times, it’s ok to laugh; there is something to laugh about. I’m still sad today, but being able to help my friends makes me a little less sad. Here’s a thought, what if the next time you are feeling sad or are in a tough spot, you make a point to give/help someone else? That moment of joy will bring peace to you both.
