Sharing Joys and Sorrows

“Shared joy is a double joy;

shared sorrow is half a sorrow.”

Swedish Proverb

One of many things I looked forward to when we moved was unpacking boxes, or as Larry would tell you many boxes, of toys we had saved from when our boys were young.  The toys had been stored by the back wall in the attic of our last house and were not as easy to access as I would have liked.  Thus, when we moved, I was excited to unpack, clean, and have the toys ready for the grandkids to enjoy. 

Recently, Mary and Daniel have been playing with a plastic golf set on the back patio.  There are three animals that have enlarged mouths to putt the ball into.  We set the animals up right next to each other in order to increase the chances of the ball going inside one of the animals and not rolling off into the thick grass.  Since they are hitting the ball from a short distance, they try to make a hole in one each time.  To say Daniel is excited when his ball goes in on the first stroke is an understatement.  He jumps, cheers, and is ready to try again.  Amazingly, Daniel is equally excited when Mary’s ball goes in the first time.  The cheers and excitement are the same as if he had made the shot.  He also shares in the disappointment when either ball takes more than one stroke to go into the animal’s mouth.  Competition has no place in his game at this point.  His pure response reminds and convicts me of what the Bible teaches about rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. 

Hurricane Harvey has given us the opportunity to live out this scripture.  As we have rejoiced with those whose homes were spared from the flood water, these coming days and months will be ones to weep with, come alongside, pray for, and help those whose homes have flooded.  This race is not a 50 yard dash, but rather a marathon event.  It's time to "Get Ready.  Set.  Go!" 

And thank you God for showing and speaking your truth so clearly through children.  May we be quick to listen, hear, and put into practice what you are asking us to do.

“There is a time for everything,

     and a season for every activity under the heavens;

          a time to weep and a time to laugh,

     a time to mourn and a time to dance,”

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

Psalm 68:19

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2