Days Like Today

With a few of my coworkers... So blessed to get to work with them!

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​I intended to post this yesterday, but my heart is all over the place this week. ;)
 
Our days can bring an interesting mix of emotions. Days like today I think about the words in Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Days like today I go back and forth between the two: mourning and rejoicing, rejoicing and mourning.
 
I have to choose both.
 
When I love someone, when I love you, there are times when I’m faced with the harsh truth that I can’t fix it all for you. Most of the time, I only have the power to mourn with you.
 
I wish I could make your pain evaporate and bring your smile back this instant. But I am not your saving grace. I’m reminded of that today—that only Jesus can be your Savior.
 
Honey, my heart aches for you. I want to shield you, heal you, free you from your burdens. I want to keep you by my side instead of letting you go your own way for the day. But I am not your saving grace. I can’t be your everything. But just know that I will mourn with those who mourn. I will mourn with you.
 
You didn’t deserve these burdens, I tell you. I love you, I tell you. But how is that enough? And did you even hear me? I can’t stop the pain, and I can’t stop the fall out. But I’m right here, and I’m praying for Jesus to give you peace.
 
And then, as hard as it is, I have to go on my way. I have other people who need me too. They need me to rejoice with them, and I must choose that. The world doesn’t revolve around me or even you. So today I need to rejoice too. It might feel forced at first, but rejoicing with others is part of loving others. And I know I can’t neglect that.
 
Rejoicing brings me life and gives me hope; it strengthens my heart and helps me to keep a healthy perspective. It reminds me of God’s goodness, it doesn’t let me doubt God’s power, and it helps me to be a better friend, a better sister, and better coworker.
 
Today is the day that the Lord has made, with all the mourning and rejoicing, and (help me, Holy Spirit) I won’t shrink back.

P.S. I promise to have some news for you about my book next week. :)