Have you ever been a little sad when a big event is over? I remember on a given Christmas evening, feeling sad. The presents under the tree were all opened. The excitement of the day had passed. For me, it’s true with other happenings. When I was a nineteen year old bride, walking down the aisle after we were pronounced husband and wife, I felt happy–yes–but there was a glimmer of sadness, too. For months we’d been planning every part of this wedding and now it was over. Of course the joy of being a wife and being married returned, but I’ll not forget that feeling that came wispy-like fog that covers a bright sunny morning into gloom.

The story I’ve been writing has been challenging. Fulfilling. I’ve had the people–real people–in my head for months. At last, the writing was done. I’m relieved, yet, there’s a glimmer of sadness lurking in the shadows. I can’t explain why. It’s just there. I’m relieved my work is done and yet, I feel sad. When the box of books arrived, Jim came into the room with excitement and said, “You’re going to like what’s in this box!” I wish I could say I was excited, but I just felt flat.

I’ve recovered since then. I am glad the book is out. Complete. Ready for others to read. I want them to laugh and cry at the words, and of course, I want them to like it, give them hope in times of sorrow. Be inspired.

Isn’t that like so many things? Anticipation of what’s to come. Excitement. Let-down when it’s all done.

Whenever I feel sad or happy, too, I enjoy reading the psalms. They steady me and so many times, my feelings get confirmed. One set of verses I learned as a child was the following:

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple (Psalm 27:4 KJV).

That really is my life story. I want to know God. There’s vast amount of resources. Podcasts. Concordances. Christian writings. Christian broadcasts. But the best is just opening up the Bible and reading it. There you will find comfort. Stability. Peace. Joy. And most of all, God’s presence.

So while I struggle with niggling disappointments when a project is complete, I turn to the One who is always there. Always loving me and understanding the confusing emotions I endure.

The twenty-seventh chapter of this psalm concludes:

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord (27: 13, 14).

It’s pretty simple. Seek the Lord’s goodness through the reading of his word, the Bible. Ask Him to reveal himself to you as you pray and read. Go to church where you worship with other believers and hear your pastor bring insights from the Bible.

I like what Ann Voscamp said, “Faith is the confidence in the kindness of God, no matter the confusion of circumstances.”

And while we can’t avoid the sadnesses we all experience, we can enjoy the “Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.”

While you enjoy left-over turkey and mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, remember it’s ok to feel a little sad, the joy will return.

“Lord, thank you that I can find you if I just look. You are there and You are good. Please be close to those whose sadness doesn’t go away. Let them see Your goodness as You’ve shown to me. In the name of the Resurrected Jesus, amen.”

Please enjoy the somewhat melancholy, yet hopeful melody. Emmanuel has come!

Thanks for joining me this day after our American holiday, Thanksgiving. I appreciate each of you.

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