Bittersweet: combining sadness and happiness – a simple definition for a very complicated emotion.
This week is bittersweet.
Yesterday was the two-year anniversary of my sweet father-in-law’s passing into eternity. While at church attending a women’s conference, amongst the chatter and music of an after-party celebration, I received a call from my oldest son who in a shaky voice relayed the message “Dad is going to St. Augustine because they think Pop-Daddy is dying!” Stunned, I attempted to gather my scattered and swirling thoughts and told my daughter we had to go and why. As she and I cried, my sisters in Christ – my friends – surrounded us, offered help and prayed for us.
Bittersweet is the comfort of the saints during times of uncertainty.
Thursday will be one year since my own Daddy started his forevermore in Heaven. One year ago, I went about my normal routine, oblivious to the fact that my sweet father had met His Heavenly Father that very morning. My husband walked in with tears in his own eyes, gently backed me into a chair, and as he shook his head and repeated, “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry….”
Bittersweet is the gentleness of the one who knows us best during times of sorrow.
Friday we remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. Two-thousand years ago, the Lord of Heaven came down in flesh and had that flesh torn and broken and beaten beyond recognition and hung naked on a cross to pay a debt I could never pay. He took our sin and sickness so that we may be forgiven and healed and no longer be condemned.
Bittersweet is the sacrifice of death so that we might live.
But Saturday…
Saturday is my precious Joshua’s birthday. As he turns twelve, I am stunned in amazement of all we’ve gone through in such his short time. Children with special needs often live lifetimes very quickly. I see a boy with a mind of a child, yet the body beginning to grow into a man and still wonder why God saw fit to choose me for the honor and sometimes daunting task of being his mother.
Bittersweet is the wondering what might have been while celebrating the what is.
And Sunday…
Resurrection Sunday. Easter. The third day and the empty tomb. He has risen. He has conquered the grave and the sting of death. The veil has been torn. A new beginning. An empty cross. Redemption that was bought by the ultimate sacrifice and available to all who choose. Living water for those who are thirsty.
The bittersweet is now the sweet and the bitterness is gone. Choose this day whom you will serve…
