Rejoice and Mourn

 

It seems to happen more than I would like – a wonderful or happy event is masked by a challenging or sad event.  It has occurred more than I care to admit, especially during the past year.  A couple of weeks ago, it happened again.  My husband’s nephew passed away unexpectedly – sad event.  Our seventh grandchild was born, wonderful event.  Two days later a dear friend of forty years passed away unexpectedly – sad event.  Rounding things out, my last living aunt passed away the next day – sad event.

When my life turns to this type of dichotomy, it is hard to compartmentalize emotions.  Happiness can run into sadness and sadness into happiness.  It is difficult to get through the days this way.  Have you ever experienced these types of emotions?  I know I should be happy, but sadness seeps into my being.  Which way should I be feeling?

Once again, Paul provides the answer for us.  It is okay to feel both emotions – in fact it is encouraged!!  Rejoice and be happy with those you are surrounding yourself with that are rejoicing.  Mourn with those who are mourning.  There is one aspect where mourning can be rejoicing.  As Christians, we know, without a shadow of a doubt, that we will see fellow Christians in paradise one day.  We know that those who leave this earth are rejoicing in heaven.  Those who are left behind feel the pain, but those who have left us are happy in Jesus’ presence.

When my parents passed, mourning was part of my days.  Yet, when I focused on what THEY were experiencing, I couldn’t help but smile.  They were not in pain anymore.  They were not worrying anymore.  They moved to the glory of God.  Friends, it can be tough to get through days when rejoicing and mourning seem to collide.  Remember the goodness of Jesus.  He provides us the knowledge that those who mourn can also rejoice in the peace that loved ones are with Jesus.  Yes, we need to mourn.  We need to feel the sadness that death brings.  Also let yourself feel the peace that your loved one is with our Savior and they are rejoicing.

Days are still tough and memories still flood my mind with those that have moved to heaven.  I will miss them and I mourn the loss of having them in my life here on earth.  Yet, I will rejoice in the knowledge that I will see them again, with no pain and happiness abounding, when I reach them in heaven.  Rejoice with those around you that are rejoicing – revel in the goodness.  Mourn with those around you who are mourning – for we all need to feel that sadness.  Remember, that Jesus is with you in both the rejoicing and the mourning and provides us hope for the future.

Video that complements this post:  Rejoice and Mourn

Dearest Lord, thank you for being next to me in the rejoicing and the mourning.  Help me to rest in the peace of the heavenly home you have provided for us and the hope that we will all be reunited again in paradise.  Provide me the permission to rejoice in the happy events of this life during difficult times.  For Your blessings endure forever!