Sharing In The Joy

Sharing in the Joy

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

It was late, but I didn’t care. The glow of the moon shone through the entry window as I tiptoed up to my sister Katrina’s bedroom. Walking quietly past my niece and nephew’s rooms, I slipped through her door and approached her side of the bed, attempting not to wake my soundly sleeping brother-in-law.

She half opened her eyes as I took her hand, signaling her to be quiet as I guided her into the bathroom. Then I shut the door and turned on the light. As she blinked against the sudden brightness, she saw my outstretched hand and newly placed ring as she squealed with delight.

“Oh my goodness, Kendra! It’s gorgeous!” she exclaimed. “I am so happy for you! Tell me all about it.” She sat on the edge of the tub as I recounted the details of the evening Kyle proposed to me.

Katrina was so excited for me, and over the next several months she became my wedding planner, carefully crafting all the details and helping me make every decision. At the time I thought nothing of it, but now looking back, I see what a huge sacrifice that was for her because she was also battling a cancer that had come back for the third time. All of her planning happened between doctors’ appointments and treatments, but she never let on that she couldn’t do both at the same time. She told me she wanted to help plan the happy occasion, and so she did. In turn, I stayed by her side on the hard days, helped with her kids, and listened when she shared her heart.

Joy and pain often run side by side in our lives. It seems even in the joyous times there are struggles and burdens to carry; we may rejoice with our friends at the same time as they mourn with us. All of our lives are to be shared, the good times and the hard times.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Determine to rejoice with a friend who is celebrating and to comfort a friend who is mourning.