It’s not a new lesson for me.  It really isn’t.

My faithful God is constantly reminding me of something.

Namely, that if I have my act together and can perform well, I get the glory.

But if I can’t.  If I’m broken and faltering and (often) failing, but something Good happens…He gets the glory.  (2Cor4)

I’m such a slow learner.

Actually, I’m a pretty quick learner.

Unfortunately, I’m an even quicker forget-er.

But you know what?

No matter what I’m loved.  Cherished even.

Because His vision is greater than me.  But – amazingly enough – He has a plan that includes me.

It’s about Him.  This I know.

But Jesus loves me.  This I also know.

The Bible tells me so.

And He shows me.  Regularly.

The reason that we’re blessed when we mourn is because we can be comforted.

Don’t really need comfort if you never mourn.

So here’s to everyone whose Easter weekend was full of juxtaposing emotions:

Absolute astonishment at pure forgiveness…plus grief over missing their loved one this year.

Breathtaking gratitude at the freedom we have in Him…combined with melancholy over their struggles.

A good ache at how He conquered our sin…in line with a heavy ache that “meanwhile we still groan.”

It’s all poetry.

I had so many highlights this weekend.  And I’m learning gratitude for the lowlights as well.  Cause joy and suffering are pretty intertwined.  And I am truly learning how I’d hate to miss out on either one.

You are so good to us, Jesus.  Thank you that we have scandalous hope no matter what.

And You are worth it all.