Finding Joy in the Midst of Sorrow
This weekend we attended the funeral of my husband's great aunt, an event that was both tearful and filled with moments of joy. It's funny how funeral's can be that way.
On the one hand, there was the obvious loss: a wonderful wife, mother, aunt, sister and friend taken from our midst. On the other hand, there was a feeling of longing to be in her place: meeting Jesus for the first time. But mostly it seemed a hardship to those of us remaining here without her. Her husband, who is terminally ill, was stunned that she was taken from him. Her boys (grown men) still longed for their mother. And the rest of the family missed what had become our matriarch. It can be quite sad and quite lovely all at the same time.
Of course, sprinkled in with all of these people were small children who always mingle in large families. Children who were almost totally unaware of what was going on before them. Happy to be surrounded by so many people making such a fuss over them. Giggling with joy as countless family members went on and on about how cute their toes were, what sweet smiles they had, and what a blessing it was to have them there. They could not comprehend the great sadness that surrounded them. Nor did they understand why we were gathered. They just knew that they were surrounded by loved ones, and were happy to be so.
When someone nearby was in tears, you were more likely to hear an "uh-oh!" from the little ones than an "I'm so sorry". The beautiful rendition of "How Great Thou Art" that was sung at the ceremony was met with a loud "Yea!" and even louder clapping by one joyous young attendee. And later, at the house of our beloved aunt, the children were more interested in being with their cousins and enjoying their family than mourning. And truly, I believe that this is how God intends it.
There is something precious in childlike faith and understanding. Just as Jesus points us towards becoming more like children in order to enter the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:14), , I think He often uses children around us to gently teach us that there is joy in the midst of our sadness. There is hope when things feel hopeless. And, there are people who love you completely no matter what you are going through.
Though it is entirely too difficult to describe losing someone you love, it is befitting I think, to surround yourself with those who are more able to celebrate in the midst of sorrow. It is a celebration, to think of someone we love finally, FINALLY, reaching home.
And, I have a feeling she may have been doing some clapping and "Yeas" of her own.
On the one hand, there was the obvious loss: a wonderful wife, mother, aunt, sister and friend taken from our midst. On the other hand, there was a feeling of longing to be in her place: meeting Jesus for the first time. But mostly it seemed a hardship to those of us remaining here without her. Her husband, who is terminally ill, was stunned that she was taken from him. Her boys (grown men) still longed for their mother. And the rest of the family missed what had become our matriarch. It can be quite sad and quite lovely all at the same time.
Of course, sprinkled in with all of these people were small children who always mingle in large families. Children who were almost totally unaware of what was going on before them. Happy to be surrounded by so many people making such a fuss over them. Giggling with joy as countless family members went on and on about how cute their toes were, what sweet smiles they had, and what a blessing it was to have them there. They could not comprehend the great sadness that surrounded them. Nor did they understand why we were gathered. They just knew that they were surrounded by loved ones, and were happy to be so.
When someone nearby was in tears, you were more likely to hear an "uh-oh!" from the little ones than an "I'm so sorry". The beautiful rendition of "How Great Thou Art" that was sung at the ceremony was met with a loud "Yea!" and even louder clapping by one joyous young attendee. And later, at the house of our beloved aunt, the children were more interested in being with their cousins and enjoying their family than mourning. And truly, I believe that this is how God intends it.
There is something precious in childlike faith and understanding. Just as Jesus points us towards becoming more like children in order to enter the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:14), , I think He often uses children around us to gently teach us that there is joy in the midst of our sadness. There is hope when things feel hopeless. And, there are people who love you completely no matter what you are going through.
Though it is entirely too difficult to describe losing someone you love, it is befitting I think, to surround yourself with those who are more able to celebrate in the midst of sorrow. It is a celebration, to think of someone we love finally, FINALLY, reaching home.
And, I have a feeling she may have been doing some clapping and "Yeas" of her own.
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