Finding Joy In Your Pain

My dear sweet mother passed away this past week at age 94 after a long battle with cancer. It was a bitter sweet moment for me. Part of me rejoiced because death freed her from a crippled aged body. Sadness also washed over me, knowing she wouldn't be there to visit with each day.

Then the whirlwind began with family driving and flying in from distant places. We had the burial to plan, a memorial program to put together, meals to organize, beds to make, and on and on.

Now the family is gone, and I have some time to grieve. Can I find joy in my grief? 

Oh yes. Joy comes with the happy memories.

Joy in discussing each day's events with my mom.

Joy in rubbing her face with lotion each night.

Joy in spooning ice chips into her mouth.

Joy in watching her reminisce with elderly colleagues. 

Joy in seeing her hold her great grandchildren.

Joy in reading her scriptures daily.

Joy in our good night kiss and our 'I love you's.' 

I will have sad days and happy ones. But underneath it all is my joy because of her love for me.  

 

Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. Joseph Campbell