Mixed Forecast

Today, I write for the benefit of myself.  In an hour, I will be preparing to leave my comfortable sofa to enjoy a holiday party with my ministry team.   The expectation is that joy, laughter and celebration will fill the night.   There will be food to be eaten and games to be played.   I don't feel much in the party mood.   The experiences and my emotions today have been much like a mixed weather forecast.   There have been periods of sun, warmth, and gentle winds.  There have also been periods of storms and what felt like tornadic activity.

How can I celebrate while a friend was nearly beaten to death by her husband last night?  She lay in a hospital in Puerto Rico, without any idea of what she will do next.  Her husband is now incarcerated in Puerto Rico.  How can a family vacation to visit family turn out this way?   What can I do for her when she returns home?  I am overwhelmed by the sadness I feel and the enormity of what is ahead for her.

How can I celebrate while my Aunt lay in the hospital with lung cancer tonight?  What do I say to my family?  How can I help?

Today, my mind has been flooded with thoughts of those who are going through trials and difficulties.    I am studying the book of James and have memorized Chapter 1 of the book.   "Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds."   I have repeated and repeated this verse, and those that follow ad nauseum.  Tonight, I'm having a hard time considering what has happened.  I am especially having difficulty considering it pure joy.  

May God help me tonight. The picture of my friend, beaten to the point of non-recognition, is hard to remove from my mind for the next several hours. 

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

Thank you, Jesus.  Be near me Lord, Jesus.   Be near to those who are hurting and sick.  Be near the lonely and lost.  Be near the widows and orphans.  Be near the poor.  Would you be near, Lord, Jesus?  Please, be near.