Joy and Pain, Sunshine and Rain
Louise Harris
Just like the weather, life in my family is very variable right now. There are good days and bad days, sunshine one minute and rain the next and the forecast is uncertain. You never know what is coming!
The last few weeks have been particularly challenging as our dear Mum had a serious stroke and was taken to hospital. Things looked very gloomy indeed and I was having a good rant in my prayers along the lines of “how much more can one person (Mum) take, and are you listening God?”
He was listening, of course, and reminded me in a number of ways over those days. Small mercies, shafts of light in the darkness, an encouragement here, and a wise word there. The walk is still hard, and I don’t understand the whys, but I know He is there, He is still working even when we don’t always see it.
Roll on a couple of weeks and Mum is out of hospital and, although much more incapacitated now, has perked up considerably. It was a joy to see her smile again. What a blessed relief, although very probably a temporary one.
In the midst of all the drama we had a big family wedding – it was wonderful to be all together, and it was truly beautiful. One minute a depressing hospital ward, and the next champagne and roses, love and celebration. We fully embraced it, and I realised how very important it is to enter into joyful moments whenever they present themselves.
Those times feed our souls and keep us going when things are tough. It reminds us that life in all its variety goes on. One of my teachers (RE!) often used to say when commenting on a particular happening “it’s all part of life’s rich tapestry”. Aged 14 I had no idea what she was talking about, but I certainly do now!
I really like the verse in Psalm 30:5 that says: “weeping may stay for a night, but joy comes in the morning”. Even in the depths of despair, life can turn round dramatically and sometimes very quickly, and I have seen this happen in my own family. When things have seemed hopeless, my prayers have been answered, and great blessings have followed.
It’s good to remind ourselves of God’s past faithfulness when the road is tough. We can't always see it clearly and we often don't understand, but we know that He hasn't changed, and His goodness and mercy remain the same.
Another recent and great joy is that my son has become engaged – he is in a time of intense happiness and celebration after a previously very difficult time. My daughter-in-law to be is just wonderful and a great blessing to our family in numerous ways. She really is an answer to my prayers, and I am so grateful.
What would I do without my God to lean on, knowing He will lead and sustain me? It’s unimaginable. I am trusting Him that whatever is ahead He will bring us through and that, even in the hardest of times, blessings and joys will still be evident.
Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:7)This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.
(Psalm 118:24)
