Sorrow and Joy

"I will sing of your mercy that leads me through valleys of sorrow to rivers of joy."

"Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."(Romans 12:15-18 NLT)

So, this is where I am right now.

Rejoicing with those who rejoice... a sweet friend who is starting the adoption process, a lifelong friend and his new bride who have joined the ranks of the happily married, a friend who has turned her life around and now has a relationship with her daughter for the first time, someone close to me who is triumphing over addiction, a new friend who has chosen to forgive.

Weeping with those who weep... a loved one who has hit rock bottom and is choosing to admit that he has a problem bigger than himself, a friend who lost a baby and found out that more children won't be possible, a college student whose parents have decided to end their marriage, a small group friend whose father doesn't want a relationship.

Enjoying the company of friends and family and aquaintances, and loving them just for who they are, and listening to their stories, and loving them, just because.

Forgiving when I've been hurt for what feels like the hundredth time. Forgetting when it feels impossible to let go.

Living my life to please the Lord, and not worrying about what others may say or think. Loving freely, living wildly. Opening my heart to something new. Trusting God and believing what He says.

What a ride.