Where Joy and Sorrow Meet

The same day we put together the baby furniture, we learned of a devastating loss that some friends had just experienced. The reality of the fact that anything can happen at anytime throughout this process was a slap in the face. We are smiling in the pictures below for the ceremonial taking of the picture of us putting together the baby furniture. But I carry in my heart the feeling of indescribable sorrow for this couple...remember the prayers being prayed for them with every screw being turned and turned and turned...the incredible need to see that baby bump and feel it underneath my hand...the scrutiny of every little detail that isn't turning out "just perfect" as we worked because if we try hard enough and get it right, everything will turn out okay....

Right, God?....

How does one go about being excited about what they are doing and sad at the same time? I'll be honest...there were many tears shed from us both...for so many different reasons. We finally finished our work and decided to go see our girl. We chit chatted with the birth mom, and when the timing was right, I asked (as I always do) if I could touch her belly. She said yes, and I just started talking to her belly like people do...I don't even remember what I said...but T said, "Did you feel that?...right there?" I DID! Not just once, but multiple times! That's the first time I've felt her move. T said it was odd because she's always calm at that time, she usually didn't start moving until such-and-such time...."But she knows her Mommy's talking to her...!"

And there it was.
It was what I needed to hear at just the right moment.

I can't predict the future. I am not in control of anything at all, but I know Who is. No matter what happens He will be my provision and grace and strength and rest.

There's a place the lost surrender and the weary will retreat
Full of grace and mercy tender in times of unbelief
For the wounded there is healing, strength is given to the weak
Broken hearts find love redeeming where joy and sorrow meet

There is a place where hope remains
In crowns of thorns and crimson stains
And tears that fall on Jesus' feet
Where joy and sorrow meet

~Exerpt from "Where Joy and Sorrow Meet", Avalon