During times of sorrow, it is so hard to find the joy in what seems to be a never ending flow of sadness. Joy is not only a gift, but it is a choice. Joy can fill your empty spaces, it can remind you of the blessings of the Lord, and it can comfort you in times of need.
I recently lost a family member, our beloved pet Pua'a. He was a 7 year old jack Russell with a heart of gold. His life was taken early, a fluke failure that not only left him suffering, but left us constantly worried about him. He passed away with all of our family present, we prayed over him and got to say goodbye to a precious soul who filled our lives with so much more than dog bones and doggy breath.
Through all of the pain and sorrow our family felt during this time, we prayed consistently for God to show us the lesson He had planned for us to learn.
The lord spoke to me loud and clear, with a loud but gentle reminder that life is short. Everyday is a blessing. Every body, every soul is a gift. The Lord gave us the most precious gift, the ability to love and be loved. What an honor, a blessing, and a reward, to love unconditionally and to be loved unconditionally.
I was reminded that my family is so precious. For anyone who has frustrating days, times where you just want to send your kids to the sidewalk with a for sale sign (as I often ponder :)), I wanted to share with you what God shared with me. All of those feelings, frustrations, thoughts and anger only occur when things don't go according to our plans. When our children throw a wrench in the schedule you had so perfectly planned out. When you expect to grow old with an old and arthritic dog whose life is taken away too soon. When your needs, desires, and wants are set aside and replaced by someone elses needs, wants and desires. Live each day without expectation. Find joy in each moment. Take time to stop and smell the roses. Because this moment, right now, will not last forever. Cherish the gifts, the glory and the grace that the Lord has given us, and don't forget to find your joy in all things.
