Joyful Sorrow?

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b NKJV

Well, CHRISTmas is fast approaching--yet another "first" for me in life since Dee's passing. Frankly, I have good days & bad days still. I assume that is normal--whatever normal is. I'm attempting to continue on with my life--I know that is what Dee would want. I also know I can't be effective in GOD's mission for my life if I wallow forever in grief and self-pity. While she will ever be a part of me, I must continue this journey alone. That is evidently GOD's plan...

I've done most of my shopping, mailed CHRISTmas cards, decorated as much as I plan to and even gotten the gifts I purchased wrapped. Yes, I wrapped them--you'd have to know that being the perfectionist I am, gift wrapping would be something I do. I realize it's not exactly a manly talent but I'm secure enough in my masculinity to admit it.

I suppose I'll be creating some new traditions--I'm not sure what they'll be yet. Obviously, things will be different for me this year. I've given thought to volunteering at a mission or taking meals to shut-ins--I'm not certain what the final outcome will be. I try to live out the acronym for JOY--Jesus 1st, Others 2nd, then Yourself. Knowing and sharing Jesus is my first priority. I do my best to think of & do what I can for others. As for myself, I lack little materially--GOD has blessed me and my needs are always met.

I suppose it is possible to be both joyful and sorrowful at the same time. I possess the joy of the Lord. In Him, I truly do live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28). At the same time, I still grieve and have sorrow over the loss of my wife. Yet, even so--I know her pain and suffering are no more and she is happy and whole in the presence of our Lord and celebrating with the saints who have gone on before. So, my emotions are somewhat of a roller-coaster ride or like the ebb and flow of the tide. Granted, it is difficult to understand unless you've experienced it for yourself.

GOD has a unique plan for each of us and while we cannot fully understand it, He does what He does & allows what He allows as part of that great plan. Our part is simply to trust and follow Him in the good times and in the bad. I'm reminded of an old hymn, "Simply Trusting Every Day"...

1)Simply trusting every day;
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

(Chorus)
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting Him, whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

2)Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

3)Singing if my way be clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

4)Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth is past,
Till His gracious advent call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Just take it one day at a time--that's all we really have so we need to make the most of it. May the warmth of GOD's great love lead, guide and direct you through the Holiday season and into a blessed & prosperous New Year!

Blessings!
Tony