A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one’s birth; better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, For by a sad countenance the heart is made better. (Ecclesiastes 7:1-2)
Sorrow: the element that makes one’s life sweeter.
Solomon writes here about life. Had he not known the pain of death, the sweetness of life would not appear to him.
I speak not of sorrow left to mold and embitter the heart, but to deliver one in agony to the feet of Jesus, where that sorrow can be turned to joy, and the master carpenter can craft from splinters and dust a new building for His glory.
Those who have tasted cookies baked without salt understand that without salt, the flavor has no balance. That savory element is needed to define the sweet. To put it in context, if you will.
Tears shed in sorrow enhance the sweetness of life.
We found out two days before our daughter was born that my husband had a very large brain tumor. It pressed on his brain stem and had cost him his hearing on one side. We knew the Hand of God was directing the details, so we sat back and trusted, trembling, but confident in His faithfulness. And when she was born, there was something complex and beautiful about the joy we felt this time. There are few surprises in the birth of your fourth child, but we rejoiced in a new way, knowing the mercy of God that keeps us daily and, while not preventing every storm, gives us peace and strength to ride it out.
Why would God allow such difficulty to come in a young man’s life? Because it is now, early, that He wants us to learn the beauty of sorrow, the glory in suffering, the joy that is set before us that renders the present suffering unworthy of shame.
And why does He not change our circumstances when we ask in faith, believing? Might it be to train our eyes Upward, looking to Jesus, the (Author and) Finisher who knows the End and that it is good?
There is purpose, always purpose, in suffering. And yes, it is good. Oh, that we would grasp that purpose and take it to heart! Thereby the heart is made better, and life is sweeter.
2 comments:
Hi Brooke! My Sister-in-Law Kristin Contino, sent me a link to your wonderful blog. I have enjoyed reading some of your profound and tender posts. I am so thankful that Wes is doing better. Carole Oelke had sent me an e-mail requesting prayer for your husband. Your post reminded me of a poem I had written shortly after the death of my dad. I would like to share it with you.
Lessons in the Shadow
There are lessons to learn in the shadow
That can never be learned in the light.
His rod and His staff they will comfort
And guide you through the night.
Be not anxious to get through the valley.
With its weariness and care.
There are lessons to learn in the shadow
For God will be with you there.
There are lessons to learn in the shadow,
That can never be learned in the light.
Restoration begins in the valley.
This is where God turns wrong into right.
There are lessons to learn in the shadow,
Though we long for the morning to break.
As you traverse the darkness remember,
“He knoweth the way that I take!”
There are lessons to learn in the shadow.
Do not pray for an easy time.
Ask God instead to be stronger,
And He will teach you to climb.
Yes, there are lessons to learn in the shadow,
That can never be learned in the light.
When the valley’s dark clouds overtake you,
We walk by faith, not by sight.
So study and learn through the dark times.
When you pass the final test,
The lessons you learned in the shadow,
Will gain you a city of rest!
Love you!
Karen Contino Mester
Sis. Karen,
That was beautiful, and truly inspired.
These are lessons we groan to see anyone learn,
yet sometimes experience is the only way to grasp what God wants to teach.
Thank you so much for your kind words, and for reading my blog!
Wes is doing so well; may I never forget the stripes Jesus bore so that I could keep my husband a little longer in this 'vapor' of life. He truly is the Healer.
God bless you! Thank you!
Love, Brooke :)
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