Have you ever wondered where to find joy?
I wondered where to find joy this week as the Lord brought an especially difficult circumstance in to my life.
The Call
Tuesday afternoon I got a call that my grandparents (in their 80s) had been in a serious car accident. Grandpa had a concussion and much soreness, but no broken bones, while Grandma continues to be in critical condition even after two major surgeries at a great hospital.
I grew up as much in their home as in my own, living right next door to them until we moved to the mission field. These two have been pillars of strength, wisdom and hope to me for all of my life. There is no where I more want to be than with them this week. But there are other family members who are there and there are several reasons why I cannot go to them right now, not the least of which God did not know about before he allowed this to happen.
The Joy
My Grandpa himself always says “God is not surprised”. So while I try to trust God's sovereign goodness and check the email every quarter hour for updates, here are just a few of the little joys the Lord has blessed me with in the midst of my pain.
- My Grandmother talking with my children via Skype minutes before her surgery and telling them all about her chickens that had hatched the morning of the accident.
- My Grandfather's hymns on the harmonica.
- Knowing that my grandparents are both children of God.
- The sound of my children's laughter as they played together sweetly.
- A Song: Sing the Lord, Aleluya! Sing to the Lord, bless His holy name.
- Memories relived, and stories of my childhood shared with my children.
- My children's prayers that God would heal Great Grandma and help Mommy not to cry so much.
- Flower's excitement over finding “sweet leaves” and new evidence of growing plants in our neglected flower bed.
- Sir's pride in the tower he built with blocks.
- Friends around the globe joining us in prayer. Thank you!
- Breathing – a deep breath of gratitude that God has spared her life for the moment, that she continues to breathe.
And finally the words to my Grandparents' favorite songs.
Grandpa:
I don't know about tomorrow. It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow, is the one who'll stand by me.
Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand.
But I know who holds tomorrow. And I know who holds my hand.
Grandma:
The sun's coming up in the morning.
Every tear will be gone from eyes.
This old world's gonna give way to glory.
And like an eagle, I'll take to the skies.
What hardship are you going through this week friend? Can you look to the Lord and find joy? He will help you find it if you are willing to look. He is always good, and He does all things well.
Editor's Note: One year later: My grandma came through the surgery and several rough days and has recuperated very well. She continues to love her chickens, though now she watches out the window while a neighbor boy cares for them. I thank God every day that I have left to enjoy her wisdom through phone calls.
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