Epicenter: Philippi (Exchanging Sadness for Joy) — Tuesday
Philippians 3:13b-14
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Rolling around on the floor of the nursery, my phone buzzed several times in my pocket.
“That’s weird,” I mumbled. “Why is my brother calling me? It’s Easter Sunday—he knows I work at a church!” I went back to playing blocks with two-year-olds and made a mental note to call him back. Then, a few minutes later, a text came through from a close friend: Hey bro. Sorry to hear about your grandmother.
As I left church and headed toward my grandparents’ home in Georgetown, I chatted with my brother on the phone. “She went peacefully,” he said solemnly. “I’ll see ya when you get here.”
By the time I walked through the back door, I had just missed the paramedics. My grandfather was standing in the living room, ready to greet me with the same warm smile and firm handshake as usual. He and my grandmother had just celebrated their 67th anniversary the day before.
“Okay—but how’s he really doing?” I asked my brother as we went to pick up lunch for everyone.
“You shoulda seen him with the paramedics,” he explained. “It was pretty cool. After they pronounced her, they asked him if he wanted a few minutes alone with her before they took the body away. He told them that the Lord had been good enough to give him 67 great years with her already—and that he would see her again someday.”
Both of us shook our heads in disbelief, and rode home practically in silence.
This past Easter was arguably the saddest day of my grandfather’s life. He lost his wife, his closest companion, the mother of his only child, and his very best friend in the world. But even though it was a sad day for our family, what still stands out to me about that day is that—even in the midst of his sadness—my grandfather made the decision to choose joy that morning.
In our verse today, Paul’s words remind me that the choice my grandfather made in that moment is one that ALL of us can make—a choice to strain toward what is ahead and press on toward what is waiting for us in heaven. As Christ followers, not only can we look forward to this, but we can celebrate it today.
Even if today is our saddest one yet.
Tuesday’s Reflection
Think of a time when you’ve had to choose joy instead of sadness. Write down some ways you can intentionally choose joy today.
