Perspective

There's nothing like the untimely death of a long time friend to bring perspective to one's life. Fifty-two years was not nearly long enough for us to share Becky's vivacity and wit. It grieves me that she had to leave us, and suffer in the process. I hurt for the pain she endured so bravely.

But suffering, as I have to remind myself, is not a bad thing. Not at all. I've learned this on my own cancer journey, though it's hard to explain to most people.

"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4

Joy in the same sentence as trials? It's true because our concept of "joy" is not the same as God's. Joy is greater than mere happiness, because joy sees the bigger picture, beyond our present gratification. Joy is part of God's eternal plan. We endure today's pain and trials because we know by faith that they are a blink in comparison with eternity. If we endure whatever this life deals us and grow in faith in the process, we have the hope of heaven's joy to sustain us.

Becky had that faith. She now has the joy, the perfect joy that we can't even imagine. That's worth all the pain and suffering in the world.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18