James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Grief has a weird way of showing up, but last night I could not sleep well. People have told me that it gets easier over time, but I would like to change that mind set. Grief does not get easier but how you cope gets manageable and strengthens you. Grief is hard! Grief can hit at unexpected times like last night! I could not sleep but began to think of memories of my mom and what I loved about her.

Waves hit the shoreline and changes the look and feels of the sand! Grief is similar as it comes in waves and changes our thoughts, feelings, and outlook. Grief has a way of hitting us in ways that are not always expected! Especially in losing a loved one deer to your heart. Grief can hit at moments you wished to share with that person, doing things they love to do, or being somewhere with a deep memory! However, one thing can remain constant which are the memories! Memories help us remember the people we love and hopefully direct you to who you want to be!

Grief is hard and that is ok to admit! Grief came today in my heart and thoughts! I lost one of the biggest cheerleaders in my life on this day 22 years ago. Throughout the night I reflected on her love for people and life. I realized that a monumental shift happened in my world the day she passed away! Memories of her laughter and love for life came flooding in my mind last night! I realized one major thing, I want to be known for my laughter, love, and life just like my mother!

Today, I was hiking with a long time friend, her son, and of course Freckles, my dog. It was a great day to be on a trail and reflect on what kept me up part of last night. My mom passed away on September 17, 2002. Ironically we chose to hike to monument rock today on the day I had a monumental shift in my life. Our hike to day to Monument Rock reminded me of the shift in my heart this day 22 years ago. I went from an ordinary high school girl who loved life to an angry teenager. To quickly wanting to love like my mom did and like Christ does!

James talks about finding joy in the trials and temptations of life. I truly believe if you can find joy every day when we wake up no matter what life throws at you, your day will be better. Joy has a was of transforming our minds and hearts to be the love of God. Seeking joy allows us to remember the good in the midst of the hard times in life. Joy allows us to face life and persevere! Perseverance makes us stronger and allows God’s hand on our lives to make us perfect and complete in His eyes. I challenge each of you to find joy each day! See how that can transform your view of yourself, life, and God!

Lord,
I hated when my mom passed away and that I felt alone in that moment! But you brought community i did not know I had or needed in my life. Thank you for how you work in through each of us for others to experience your Love! Allow each of us to seek joy this day and each day to come. Thank you for reminding me of the goodness and joy in my life that I bring to the present from my mom’s life! May we all find joy and love to persevere through life! AMEN.