God Turns Our Tears into Joy

On November 27, 2019, I watched my mother take her last breath. She died with dignity and a smile on her face. At that moment, the circle of life was clear to me. Forty-six years ago, my mom went into labor with me and brought me into this world. She saw my first breath and her heart filled with joy. I was present to watch her take her last breath, but my heart filled with sadness.

Joy and pain are inseparable in the cycle of life. In our lifetime, both emotions will hold space in our hearts. (Ecclesiastes 3:4-5, NIV) One can’t truly experience the overwhelming feeling of joy without truly understanding the depths of pain.

As my heart healed, I changed my focus from what I lost to what I gained from my mother. I learned about love, resilience, and life lessons from her. If I focused on everything I lost, I wouldn't have allowed my heart to open to God's promise of turning my tears into joy once again. (Psalm 126:5, NIV)

As we are processing our grief, we may need to take it one day at a time, or sometimes a millisecond at a time. Our tears sown in grief is a reminder that love never dies. There is no expiration or timetable for grief. We live through grief, but God’s promise encourages us that joy is available to all of us on the other side of pain. (Luke 6:21, NIV)

Moment of Reflection

Reflect on God's promises to turn our tears sown in grief into joy. Envision what healing looks like for you as you open your heart to God's promise for joy and laughter to take space in your heart once again.