As the holidays approach, I reflect over this past year and contemplate the myriad of changes that have occurred in my life and the lives of those around me. Many of us have been ushered in to seasons that we might not have been prepared for: seasons of celebration or seasons of heartache. It has definitely felt like the “year of change.”
This list describes what some of my family and friends have experienced this year:
New birth. Death. Marriage. Broken relationships. New vocations. Leaving home. Healing. Weariness. Laughter. Sadness.
So where do we find God in the midst of our joy and our pain? How do we remember to thank Him for His good gifts or how do we remember to trust Him when all seems lost? I believe we simply take the next step in front of us. We journey towards God in this life by trusting Him and surrendering to Him one day at a time.
We might not understand this season, but we know the Person who is the orchestrator of our lives. And one day our joy in heaven will outweigh any pain that we have experienced here on earth. In Romans 8:18 Paul tells us, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Also, as the body of Christ, we know we are not alone on this journey. We learn to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). We journey towards heaven together and we are stronger by facing our struggles together.
So let’s remember to help each other during this holiday season. If we experience joy: let’s celebrate together! If we experience pain: let’s encourage one another! And above all, may the Lord be known and glorified in this season of our lives.
Much love,
Melissa
P.S. I want to thank my friend, Meredith, for the journal you see in the picture below. What a great reminder!
