Heavy & Hard, Light & Laughter
Goodness. In the span of a day, in the midst of any 24 hour period, my emotions can range from, well, all over the place to all over the place. And I know I am an emotionally driven person. So much of my life experience is filtered through my emotions. And I think that’s ok (and even more than ok!). I also think it’s equally as ok for my emotions to be up and down, even in the span of a few hours. From one moment to the next, I can be crying sad tears, or laughing with tears of joy. This post isn’t necessarily about emotions, and how, as you grow up, you grow to appreciate the whole range of emotions, while even experiencing some in the same moment. It’s mostly about life’s circumstances, and how, as you grow up, you grow to appreciate the whole array of circumstances that impact you in so many ways.
And so, today’s post is about the beauty of circumstance, and how what comes our way is really meant to teach us something. Even if something isn’t “meant for our good,” somehow, that can be taken and made into something marvelous beyond our imagination. Even the most ill-intentioned act against us can somehow produce deep wells of resilience, realness, and restoration in our lives.
It’s amazing how there’s a God out there, who is also up close and personal. Who knows every life circumstance thrown our way, and orchestrates our lives in such a way that even the crappiest circumstance can be turned around for good. I’m honestly still trying to work out the kinks of that statement in my walk with Christ, but am oftentimes encouraged to know that I’m called to gratitude in the midst of all my life circumstances. “Consider it all joy.” “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” “Count it all joy.” What is heavy and hard can actually pave the way for lightness and laughter. “Weeping may endure for the night; joy cometh in the morning.”
Scripture says we’re to be thankful in our circumstances. I may not be thankful for the many times I’ve had my heart broken, or that my grandmother died. Or that I’ve lost a few jobs. Or that I have my own illnesses and ailments I deal with regularly and even daily. However, even if I’m not thankful for those things, choosing to be grateful while surrounded by those circumstances and struggles might actually help to sustain me.
For some reason, we’ve been purposely placed to live in a world with suffering and sorrow, because somehow, knowing deep brokenness makes deep wholeness way better. Because it seems that that brokenness is irredeemable, how much more amazing is it, then, when something broken is made whole. We will rejoice so much deeper and way more genuinely because of once having tasted sorrow and suffering. Gratitude for the delight of Heaven, but even for the here and now!
And I love to tell the tale of Jesus, because he purposely provides us with the wholeness we crave and seek. And because he’s been the plan for the redemption of the cosmos since eternity past, of course then, even with the Fall of mankind, he has paved the way for rescue, redemption, restoration, healing, and Heaven. And that’s why the new heavens and new earth will be so amazing! It’s not a place of boredom, but one of delight. True joy, genuine fellowship with other people, reunion with our Maker face to face. Wholeness. Healing. Unity. Justice. Peace. Everlasting ecstasy! Who doesn’t want in on that? Yes, this life is heavy and hard. It also provides moments for light and laughter. Nevertheless, the aches and pains we feel now, however big or small, pale in comparison to the glory that’s coming. Lightness and laughter reign victorious! Hallelujah.
