Friends
Published October 29, 2007
John16:22
"Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.”
**** ****
First I was a little shocked. I hadn’t seen the email like the other friends in this particular circle. I was also a little embarrassed that I didn’t get the message. There seemed to be a sense of urgency for us all to get together for dinner. Then, I was saddened at the meaning of the email message. You see, Marianne, my professor friend of several years, was moving far away to Pennsylvania.
Today’s verse is found in a chapter where Jesus sums up what the disciples were going to experience. They were going to go through some tough times (verses 1-3), but they needed to remember the things Jesus had taught them (verse 4). To help them the Holy Spirit, their comforter, would arrive to ease their sorrow and guide them (verses 7 and 13). But, the disciples would see Jesus again, resurrected (verses 16 and 22). In addition, their sadness would turn to joy; the type that no one could take away from them.
While we as individuals, families, and nations go through very hard times, it’s tough sometimes to see ahead to an outcome of good. We get used to (or in my case complain) about our pain and suffering without looking ahead to the joy of our labors. I have been describing the room extension of my house as being pregnant 13 months! Instead I should be excited at the prospect of a beautiful new living room that will grace my pianos and the voices of my children.
Yes, I should learn from this chapter of John and realize that the absence of Marianne close by will be hard. I should lean on her sage advice (“laugh first, cry second or just laugh ‘til you cry!”, “prayer works”), Humorous memories of shared classroom adventures will ease my sadness (Student: “Why is this answer wrong? I got it straight from the solutions manual!”). Most importantly, I may see her again when she returns to California for family visits, at conventions, or even if I travel all the way to Pennsylvania. That’s a great promise!
**** ****
Dear Lord, thank you for the lessons of John 16 and the way they apply to my life. While I may not avoid many trials and circumstances that make me sad, I have the assurance that the outcome will be joyous. Help me to look ahead with anticipation to this joy and to emulate it with zeal. In Jesus’ name, amen.
John16:22
"Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.”
**** ****
First I was a little shocked. I hadn’t seen the email like the other friends in this particular circle. I was also a little embarrassed that I didn’t get the message. There seemed to be a sense of urgency for us all to get together for dinner. Then, I was saddened at the meaning of the email message. You see, Marianne, my professor friend of several years, was moving far away to Pennsylvania.
Today’s verse is found in a chapter where Jesus sums up what the disciples were going to experience. They were going to go through some tough times (verses 1-3), but they needed to remember the things Jesus had taught them (verse 4). To help them the Holy Spirit, their comforter, would arrive to ease their sorrow and guide them (verses 7 and 13). But, the disciples would see Jesus again, resurrected (verses 16 and 22). In addition, their sadness would turn to joy; the type that no one could take away from them.
While we as individuals, families, and nations go through very hard times, it’s tough sometimes to see ahead to an outcome of good. We get used to (or in my case complain) about our pain and suffering without looking ahead to the joy of our labors. I have been describing the room extension of my house as being pregnant 13 months! Instead I should be excited at the prospect of a beautiful new living room that will grace my pianos and the voices of my children.
Yes, I should learn from this chapter of John and realize that the absence of Marianne close by will be hard. I should lean on her sage advice (“laugh first, cry second or just laugh ‘til you cry!”, “prayer works”), Humorous memories of shared classroom adventures will ease my sadness (Student: “Why is this answer wrong? I got it straight from the solutions manual!”). Most importantly, I may see her again when she returns to California for family visits, at conventions, or even if I travel all the way to Pennsylvania. That’s a great promise!
**** ****
Dear Lord, thank you for the lessons of John 16 and the way they apply to my life. While I may not avoid many trials and circumstances that make me sad, I have the assurance that the outcome will be joyous. Help me to look ahead with anticipation to this joy and to emulate it with zeal. In Jesus’ name, amen.
posted by Karen Vaughn | 9:43 AM
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