Joy comes.
It came for me tonight as I chased the sunset to its rest. This evening, my feet carried me far and fast with the gentle breeze of a better wind. Tonight I ran with the Spirit, and we were moving in praise to the God who authors each day and scripts it with his living witness at every turn (you wouldn’t have believed my pace, Runner Mom).
It came for me this morning in a Sunday’s worship service. Today, I chased the ice-cream truck (thanks, Laura, for your post); my son led me there. He gave us all a glimpse into his heart as he chronicled a few memories from the pulpit about his recent trip to Bolivia.
It came for me in the hugs from my church family, all of whom genuinely enjoy being together in worship on Sunday mornings. How many churches can say that? Today we needed to be there for so many reasons, not the least of which was to gather our hearts in tender pause as we try to gather our bearings after experiencing such a tremendous grief.
It came for me in you, dear friends. The collective mass of you who took the time to pray for us all and leave your comforting thoughts in the comment section. Your time before the throne has been profoundly felt by me and by Beth’s family. You didn’t have to, but you did; I’m continually amazed by the way God is using our cyber connections to bring praise to his Name. He, alone, is worthy of our pens.
We could write about many things, and, indeed, we should. Our lives are not immune from the “everydayness” that creeps in and takes over. But God is there in every one of our days. The key for us is to be more intentional about looking for him.
As my son put it so well this morning…
“We may not always see God coming, … but boy, once he crosses your path, he sure is a sight to behold.”
Joy comes.
On Sundays. On Mondays. In Bolivia. In church. In hugs. In a graveyard. In a run. In a sunset. In sleep. In the rising of the sun. In the resurrection of the Son!
Joy comes.
Look and see; behold and believe. There’s more to this moment than meets the eye.
As always,
PS: I’m adding a video clip from this morning’s service. Unlike his mother, my son has a softer tone to his speech, so turn up the volume if you want a listen. I realize that most of you won’t have the time; that’s fine. I’ve put this here, as I put many things here on my blog, as a “touchstone” of remembrance. My “thus far, the Lord has helped us.” So I do this for our family (paps, are you watching?) and for you if you would like to listen to the witness of an amazing God who is ever in the process of shaping his children and bringing his joy. Shalom.
Oh, Elaine — I'm so glad you are starting to see and feel the joy after the loss of your dear friend.
Love the words of your son.. sounds like he's walking along the right path. What a proud Mom you must be!
What a beautiful post.
thanks for sharing your heart, for I in turn was blessed.
Sorry we were unable to be with you today to hear the Bolivia report firsthand, but thanks for sharing Nick's witness. We take great joy in watching what God is doing in and through him. Love you all!
~~Muz
Still praying for you my friend as you deal with the loss of your friend.
I will be lifting you up each time I think of you!
I love the way you write. It is just such a blessing. So beautiful.
Chasing the sunset…our God a sight to behold….the beauty is breathtaking!
And written from a heart like his–acquainted with sorrow.
Love and prayers offered up for you and your friend's family during this difficult time.
A few days ago, I felt your grief over loosing a special friend.
Today,I felt your peace as I read this post.
I felt your stedfast assurance–even in the midst of grief–in His sovereignty.
I felt your joy as you shared how He has comforted you.
And for some reason–maybe it's the range of emotions expressed here–I feel like crying.
Death is hard, but God is good.
Elaine, such joy for a mom's heart. I am training two precious boys to walk on the same path.
Delighted to meet you! Found your blog via Christy Rose. So glad I stopped by. You drenched me in God's goodness giving me a glimpse of the joy to come.
Hugs from this missionary mommy,
Sarah Dawn
Praise God, Elaine. I've been praying for you.
Nick's quote – WOW!
Today I pray I am surprised by joy!
Hugs,
Joy
Joy, an excellent companion to peace (for the journey). It sometimes hides, or flees … but we who are called by His name can count on its return. What an amazing, good God!
Sharing your joy (and proud mother's heart) this day.
Hugs,
Kathleen
Elaine,
The joy of the Lord is my strength..even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, yet You are with me…
Praising Him for His tender watch over you and for Nick in kingdom mode…nothing brings more joy to a Mom's heart..
Blessings,
Sita
Joy…it is what should distinguish us from all other people in the world. The joy of Jesus in our hearts.
God's continuing love and peace to you and your precious friend's family.
Leah
See, I knew you had it in you!!(The running!) I will come back for preachin' after lunch when I have time. As soon as Austin gets back from swim team, I'm going to the Post office!! Your cd is finally ready! Whew!!!!!
So glad your joy has returned!!
Hugs!
Susan
The quote from your son was exactly what I needed to read and take in this morning!
Once again, your post was beautifully written and heartfelt. Amazing how we can see and find joy in the morning. God is so very good!
Elaine I'm so thankful that your Joy Comes.
I'm thankful that Joy Comes…for each one of us that allow Him in, reaching out for Him.
Love,
Yolanda
So glad God is comforting you, Elaine. Continuing to pray.
Elaine, I can feel your emotion pouring through your words. I lift you and your family up to the Lord God knowing HE is in control at all times. Seeing HIM in the sunsets, runs, your son in Bolivia, etc is a powerful message to us. Thank God for using You to share HIS words of encouragement with us. Praise in Jesus' name.
Soo goood Elaine! Joy does come! And brings comfort and peace with it! God is good!
Joy comes in hearing a young man speak about what God is doing in his life. Joy comes from his quote about our Father God. Blessing to you and yours and I thoroughly enjoyed this post and watching the video. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by my blog and splashing around with me today.
Hugs from this missionary mommy,
Sarah Dawn
I agree that Joy comes when and from places we never expect. I am so happy you are surrounded by so many who love you, your family and others. Bless you.
And it came to me here this morning reading your post! What a blessing this was Elaine! Something I needed today. Seems I so often feel tired, burned out and alone. Your writing today was like a breath of fresh air to my spirit. I'm off to WALK my mile before it gets any hotter today. I'll never be a runner like you and Susan cause I'm too old to start now but have been walking every morning for almost three weeks now. It is making me feel better I can tell.
Love ya,
Marilyn…..in Mississippi
wifeforthejourney:
What a joy it has been and remains to see the Lord "refining Nick's gold" through his experiences in South America. Thank you for all you have done to shape our children's faith!
Love you,
Billy
It may come expected or be a blessing unaware but praise God joy comes!
Thank you for sharing your son's words – it is evident his heart has been seared by the glory of God.
I am looking for those crossings – those beholding moments – when God makes himself known.
Shalom,
Denise
WOW! You must be so proud of your son. What an awesome testimony 🙂
You know my heart and prayers have been with you dear one…
I was moved in listening to your son speak/minister and share and in the words you wrote that he spoke:
“We may not always see God coming, … but boy, once he crosses your path, he sure is a sight to behold.”
Peace my sister.
Elaine…this was incredible! That fellow has been well taught about the LORD and HIS LOVE! He did a great job and I can tell…he now knows full well why he went.
That was great! Tell him that those of us listening (reading) in from NW Florida enjoyed hearing his heartbeat for Jesus! Great trip! God was seen!!!