Winsome is my favorite word.
It literally means {JOY} some. And who doesn’t want some joy?!
But joy is a funny thing.
Funny because often the thing that brings the greatest joy . .
is the same thing that brings the deepest sorrow.
For me that thing is family.
There is nothing in this world that has more potential to bring me joy than my family.
And there is no one in the world I am more vulnerable to and therefore more potentially harmed by than my family.
If God really holds all our tears in a bottle, then well over half my bottle has filled up with tears that flowed from family.
Tears of joy.
Tears of sorrow.
I’ve shed a river’s worth over the last two weeks.
You see my family is growing.
And growth, like change, brings joy and sorrow.
With two engagements, a son graduating and starting his military career, and two weddings impending (all in the next FIVE months), I’m realizing . .
as a new chapter begins, another ends.
Exciting doors are opening, but doors are closing too.
That’s not easy on a momma’s heart.
No matter how genuinely joyful I feel as I look to the future, I can’t deny the sorrow I feel as chapters end and doors close on our family’s past. No matter how hard I try.
It’s joyful, and it’s hard.
There’s a part of me that wonders if acknowledging these feelings is a betrayal of the joy I feel and those whose hearts are bursting with it.
But that’s not true.
Joy and sorrow can coexist.
Just like joy and pain.
Joy and stress.
Joy and fear.
And this brings me joy.
The knowledge that true joy transcends.
Sustains.
Perseveres.
Often puts a smile on my face . .
but always brings hope and peace to my heart.
I’m thinking a lot about joy lately. In fact, I’m planning a whole retreat on the subject.
WINSOME is women discovering JOY through authenticity, diversity & truth!
Its coming up April 5-7, and there’s still room for YOU! Go here to find out all about it . . www.winsomeretreat.com
I would LOVE to see you there!
Congratulations on the doors opening! Hard to believe your older kids are old enough to graduate and marry!
Loved this post, Kim. Wow. I know what you mean about being excited and sad, joyful and full of sorrow at the same time. Two of your sweet babes, getting married?!?! I mean, I can't even hardly handle my baby boy nearing six months. I mean, it makes me sick to think how fast time is ticking on. Congratulations! How exciting! (And scary!)