At whatever age—but perhaps especially in old age—mourning can comprise a substantial part of our daily thoughts. The writer of Psalm 30 offers a helpful observation: “Joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5) At this time in our lives, this can be especially comforting.
As we may have experienced into these later years, though, not every morning brings joy. Our days may begin with something more akin to mourning: The arthritis may still be there, a spouse’s death might still grip our spirit, poverty may still be lurking and we may still experience disregard because of our advancing age. Parts of our bodies and minds might remain creaky, our doctors may never change their minds, and our churches might not have all the answers we need. We may be grieving our lost youth and missing whatever “home” used to be. We could be lamenting this stage in life.
Despite these circumstances, what gladness might come in mourning—quietly embedded in the sadness? Could a deeper satisfaction be right next to our pining for better things, better times? How might any morning call out, “Don’t keep wallowing in your woes”? Whether or not there’s a silver lining, how does sorrowing compel us toward something more joy-filled? Who else’s mourning could we take on as our own?
At whatever seasons of the year they come, sorrow and grief can live inside our souls. Also true of any season: The mourning time will eventually end. God will break through the woeful tedium of waiting for rescue. The Spirit will continue whirring close by. In whatever condition we find ourselves each morning, we can affirm our capabilities for doing whatever is purposeful and hopeful in God’s eyes.
And each morning we can awaken, expecting to find the surprise of post-mourning joy!
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