I was a teenager when my mother passed away. She was the most sparkle-filled lady you’d ever meet – kind, full of life, embarrassed me an appropriate amount, the best double-braider in the tri-state area. After her funeral, our house was packed with family and neighbors. The teenagers sat on the floor of my room, telling corny jokes while eating Chex mix and passing the Kleenex when necessary. The aroma of bubbling casseroles drifted up the stairs, along with sounds of grown-ups comforting each other with stories and even laughter. The house was filled with the sounds of a well-lived life and the promises of God’s work for the restoration of all things.

Happiness was absent that day, but joy was abundant. Even in the midst of our deepest ache, the past fulfillment of God’s promises and hints of the hope of what’s to come mean that celebration can live simultaneously with sorrow. We rejoice in God’s promises that all tears are temporary; God has done great things and will do great things. Redemption is coming.

By Shelli Latham from D365