Joy and Pain ... Sunshine and Rain

It's been a rough week.
The weather around these parts has been extremely temperamental. One minute it's beautiful, sunny and a gentle breeze is blowing - we're enjoying quiet time reading in the yard. The next minute clouds roll in, the sky darkens, wind rips and the all hell breaks loose. No exaggeration - 10 minutes later we're back to reading on the trampoline. Crazy. Keeps you guessing. Keeps you on your toes.

It's hard to fully enjoy the sunshine when you see dark clouds ahead.

This week has been a mix of joy and pain. A douse of sunshine and the threat of rain - literally and figuratively.

Sunday marked the start of our Parenthood Series at Connections. George is flying high with this one - loving it, growing and learning so much in the process of preparing it and eager to share. (In case you're curious click here.)

As we sat in church Sunday morning there were three VERY pregnant women in the service ... (George secretly hoped one of them would go into labor while he preached - didn't happen).

Wednesday we heard from two of those women.
One went into labor and after many hours delivered a healthy baby boy.
One received results from an anticipated amnio and heard the devastating news that her baby has trisomy 13 and will not live long after birth.

Joy
and
Pain.

Sunshine
and
Rain.

In one breath we are rejoicing with those who rejoice.
In the next breath we are mourning with those who mourn.

We cry.
We smile.
We cry some more.

I am flooded with memories of a July thirty years ago when my own sister was born with trisomy 18. I was 9. She lived for 2 months before she finally gave up her fight for life and went to be with Jesus. I remember that summer like it was yesterday.

So here we sit. On one hand there is great joy for a new life born. On the other had there is great sadness for a life that will be born but not given the opportunity to live. Like that weather that one minute bring sunshine and next minute storm ...

Please pray.
Pray for strength and courage for Mark and Julie.
Pray for hope and joy.
Pray for their marriage.
Pray for their daughter Savie.
Pray for the little daughter yet to be born (Josie).
Pray for wisdom.

Pray for Vanessa and Dave.
Thank God for the birth of Jack.
Pray that they will parent with wisdom, courage and love.

Pray for us as we rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.
Pray that we will have the courage to do both authentically.

Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9