Have you ever watched one of your favorite movies and tears just came down your face? This might sound silly but I can sit and watch “While You Were Sleeping” and just cry, not because it’s a sad movie but because it’s one I always come back to. It’s been my favorite movie for as long as I can remember. It has been my go to for a smile or for a tear. In some strange way I find so much beauty in that movie because it’s been a constant. I watched it when I went through lonely, single nights. I watched it surrounded by friends and family just having a good time. I watched it the night I went into labor with Olivia. I watched it after my miscarriage. It is my go-to and I find beauty in a sweet, funny movie.
This summer has been quite painful in many ways. Sadness in death, sadness in what could’ve been. Fear of what lies ahead. Fear of what might be. In some ways this sadness and fear has been personal; in some ways it has been from what I hear or see. I ache and hurt for those around me that ache and hurt.
In sadness and pain I have simultaneously felt moments of sheer beauty- which can only be attributed to a gift from God.
“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:3
I have been reminded repeatedly of moments of great pain that were actually moments of pure beauty hand crafted by my forever constant.
I’m reminded of an answered prayer that caused me to uproot myself from my hometown and brought me to where I am today.
I’m reminded of relationships that hurt deeply, but were designed to show God’s glory and grace in my husband.
I’m reminded of the searing pain of childbirth and while tears rolled down my face, my husband prayed with me & read Psalms to me. In unforgettable moments of agonizing pain there was beauty.
I’m reminded of the peace and beauty that washed over me in the midst of great despair while losing a child through miscarriage.
I’m reminded of how many times God uses moments of pain to bring about his beauty through his purposes and glory.
After losing her husband and sons, Naomi traveled back to her homeland where God brought about His glory and redemption through a great love story.
Job lost everything he had and God blessed him beyond measure.
Mary and Martha were in deep despair as they mourned the loss of their brother, but Jesus raised him to life.
As I think of the many people I know going through dark clouds of loss, I pray that you not forget what God has done. If you have, go back and read his word and stories of his goodness, go back and think of your life up until this point. Think of the moments that God carried you, sustained you for his purposes. You are never forgotten. You are always loved by the one who knows everything, who sees what you haven’t. HE will always be your constant.
I pray that you be washed by the joy and peace that can only come by God, our Father. I pray that in the midst of pain and sadness you find moments of beauty in light of eternity. I pray that God opens your eyes and your heart to see the beauty He alone can give in the midst.
Bye Bye... Rut! 