“There is a vast difference between being Blessed, and Happiness” ~ Streams in the Desert

Since Joe’s death I have been told many times “It’s good to see you happy again!”.  As if after 10 months the pain and heartache of a lifetime of Love, Dreams, and Joy that were shattered by his death are over.  But . . . I get what they are trying to say.  It’s Hard to watch someone you love in pain!!   They would much rather see me smiling than to imagine the nights I come home to an empty house and cry, or watch when I run across a memory posted on Facebook and lose it!  Happiness is Circumstantial, and yes there are times of happiness:  When I’m with my Children, Grandchildren, Family, and Friends I love!  However, if you were to ask me “Overall are you happy?”, the answer would be “No”!  BUT . . . I AM BLESSED!  Jesus never Promised me happiness, but quite the opposite.  He said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”

It makes me think of this past Fourth of July when all of my kids, grandkids, and I, went to a wonderful celebration of our nation’s independence.  The night was perfect!  Hundreds of people gathered on blankets with their kids in tow to watch the festivities.  The smell of popcorn permeated the air, glow sticks were on the arms of every child, and sparklers lit up throughout the crowd like lightning bugs in a field.  Parents and children alike were happy, and excited for the fireworks to begin.  When the fireworks started my 1 year old granddaughter began to cry.  The loud booms, and bright lights exploding in the air were a bit too much for her to take in.  As much as we all tried to console her, she let it be known, she was Not Happy!  I watched as her daddy scooped her up in his loving arms, holding her tight, and walked her over to where the fireworks were taking place.  I thought why would he take her even closer to the very things that are scaring her?  Then, I witnessed the most amazing thing happen!  She watched the fireworks up close.  She not only heard, but felt the loud booms of the explosions going off all around her.  Though she didn’t smile and she wasn’t “Happy” about it, she didn’t cry and she wasn’t afraid, because she was in her Father’s arms . . . AND THAT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

I believe that is what Jesus tried to teach us in Matthew 5: 3-12 (Message Version)  

³ “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

⁴ “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

⁵ “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

⁶ “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

⁷ “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

⁸ “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

⁹ “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

¹⁰ “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

^11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

As I travel this road of grief scared, lonely, and heartbroken as I may be, Happiness comes and goes, but the Blessings Never Stop!  My Heavenly Father has scooped me up, held me tight, and taken me closer than I’ve ever been to what I feared the most.  Though this is not the path I would have chosen for my life, and I’m Not Happy about it . . . I AM BLESSED, BECAUSE I AM IN MY FATHER’S ARMS, AND THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!  Thank You Father for loving me like I have never known Your love before!  When I felt like All was lost, you found me!