Finding Joy in the Morning and in the Mourning

Every morning, as the sun rises and we open our eyes to a new day, we’re gifted with an incredible opportunity. It’s a fresh start, a blank canvas where we can paint strokes of gratitude and joy. Instead of dwelling on the shadows of yesterday—the mistakes, the regrets, or the injustices—we can choose to right those wrongs. We can commit to a path of love and unity, mending relationships and fostering connections that uplift those around us. The world may seem riddled with unfairness, from global conflicts to personal hardships, but fixating on that only deepens our despair. What if, instead, we focused on transformation, one interaction at a time? A kind word to a stranger, a helping hand to a neighbor, or a listening ear for a friend—these small acts ripple outward, creating waves of positive change.

This mindset extends beyond our daily routines; it’s about amplifying our voices to share a timeless message. In a world hungry for hope, we have the chance to spread the truth of God’s boundless love, His forgiveness that wipes away our sins, and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, we’re offered eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Imagine using your platform—whether it’s social media, conversations at work, or community gatherings—to invite others into this redemptive story. Each morning renews our purpose: to live as ambassadors of grace, drawing people closer to the light that overcomes darkness. By embracing gratitude for the breath in our lungs and the opportunities ahead, we cultivate joy that sustains us through the day.

Yet, life isn’t just about the mornings of renewal; it’s also about navigating the mourning that comes with loss. When a loved one passes, the grief can feel overwhelming. We ache for the hugs we’ll never share again, the conversations cut short, the moments when we’d turn to them for comfort or advice. That sorrow is real and valid—it’s part of our humanity. But in the midst of tears, we can find joy by shifting our gaze to the blessings they brought into our lives. Reflect on the laughter shared over family dinners, the wisdom imparted during quiet talks, the ways they shaped who you are today. Their impact isn’t erased by death; it lives on in your heart, in the stories you tell, and in the legacy you carry forward. Celebrating those memories honors their life and transforms mourning into a tapestry of thankful remembrance.

This principle applies even during the prolonged mourning of illness, whether it’s a terminal diagnosis or a chronic condition that ebbs and flows. Watching a loved one battle pain, endure treatments, or face uncertainty brings waves of heartache. There are highs—moments of remission or small victories—and lows that test our endurance. In these seasons, it’s crucial to seek out seeds of gratitude: a supportive community, medical advancements, or simply a day with less suffering. Water those seeds intentionally—through prayer, journaling, or shared acts of kindness—and watch gratitude grow, providing strength amid the storm. Joy doesn’t negate the pain; it coexists with it, offering glimpses of hope that remind us we’re not alone.

Ultimately, finding joy in both the morning and the mourning is about perspective. It’s choosing to see God’s hand at work, weaving beauty from ashes and turning sorrow into strength. Each day, whether in celebration or grief, is a step toward deeper faith and connection. Let’s embrace it fully, spreading love and light to a world in desperate need of both!

Three Bible verses to meditate on:

1.  Psalm 30:5 (NIV): “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

This verse highlights the temporary nature of sorrow, comparing it to a night that gives way to morning joy, encouraging us to find hope and rejoicing in new beginnings after periods of mourning or hardship.

2.  Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV): “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

This verse emphasizes God’s unending compassion and faithfulness that renews every morning, reminding us that even in times of mourning, we can discover joy through gratitude for His daily mercies and love that sustains us.

3.  Matthew 5:4 (NIV): “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

This beatitude promises comfort and blessing to those who mourn, illustrating that joy can emerge from grief as God provides solace, turning our sorrow into a deeper sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.