Joy

Often the theme in my blogs is about grief and loss.  Today, I’m going to write about joy.

There will be bumps

I’ve been where some of you now are. Grieving. Concerned about a loved one. Concerned about health–or someone you love–who is battling a health issue. What are you concerned about today? Is it a person? Is it your body? Is it a season of life that is changing? Sometimes, it’s a healthy body gone awry. You’ve taken care of it by exercising carefully. You’ve eaten the right foods for the most part. In spite of this, your body has turned against you and developed something. Life is like that, isn’t it? One day things are rollicking along and then there’s a bump in the road, a curvy turn.

We know it won’t last…

I’ve found life is a series of ups and downs like the roller coaster at the county fair. There are heady uphill, scary times until you reach the top and gleefully enjoy the view up there. And then, your life is smushed down on a slope that feels like it may derail you. Then a peaceful straightaway comes along, a calm ride where things seem fine. We know it won’t last though, and soon we’re whirling around a curve that jolts us into unknown territory. That unknown could be  anything. It could be a scary diagnosis, a death of someone you know and love, it could be a loved one straying away from what was right and good.

Enjoy the calm….there’s a hill ahead.

I’m learning to enjoy the calm, straight rides, for I know there’s always going to be a hill ahead. Or a dip that jerks my head backward and makes me dizzy.

A “grand” night…

Last night was one of the calm evenings to put in my memory bank. Jim and I enjoy a date a few times a month. They aren’t all fancy date nights, but last night, it was. We put on our best and drove through Portland traffic to enjoy dinner (we didn’t even have to pay–it was a gift card we’d had for a long time). We enjoyed a slice of  toast, topped with  avocado, shrimp, and tiny red and orange peppers, delicate and crunchy at the same time. I ordered coconut shrimp with mango sauce to dip. Jim had calamari with tangy aioli sauce. And for dessert? We ordered sourdough bread with lots of butter. Yum! We were satisfied with just the right amount of food. But the evening wasn’t over quite yet. We meandered over to the theater where we enjoyed an evening of singing. Yes. We attended a theater where they performed Rodgers and Hammerstein songs. I knew most of the songs and it was all I could do to not sing aloud. But I restrained myself and enjoyed the professionals do an excellent job. It was a wonderful, “grand” night!

It was a “grand” night.

We don’t know what tomorrow will bring…

I’m going to cherish our evening together. Our grand night because, you see, we don’t know what tomorrow might bring. A pink slip telling us our job is over. A knock at the door late at night. A troublesome cough. A catch in our chest.

I can put my trust in the One who loves me.

While last evening was a treasured memory, I know my ride along life will not always be smooth. There will be dips and scary uphill experiences. Instead of worrying about what might come next, I’m going to trust I won’t be alone. In about a week I’ll be celebrating another birthday. Another year older. I don’t know what’s around the next bend, but I know I can put my trust in the One who loves me. You can too, if you trust in Him. At a wedding service, the pastor quoted this Scripture and reminded the couple they didn’t know what was ahead for them.

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:17, 18)

I love flowers and spring. Here’s a gallery for you to enjoy. Take it in. The flowers will soon fade. Enjoy the ride.