Rivers of joy

Foster Falls

"I will sing of your mercy that leads me through valleys of sorrow to rivers of joy."

-jars of clay

Sitting in the hammock with Quinn tonight on my first real day of summer break may very well be one of my sweetest memories of this whole year. Catching fireflies, chatting about his favorite games, and just snuggling while it got dark... these moments get you through the sleepless nights and the difficult days. 

I've traveled these past few years. I've worked hard. I've written and read and studied. I've held fast in grief to a hope I often could not feel. But I've also laughed and loved and grown and danced and been silly. Through all of it deep rivers of joy have been carving their canyons in my soul, deeper even than grief or sorrow.

And today, when looking back on the past five years, I can let the sorrow mingle with joy until they're almost indistinguishable, wrapped up in God's love and faithfulness on this crazy adventure. So thank you for your prayers and notes and texts and many, many kindnesses. I am reminded daily of the power in small acts of kindness to help others hold fast in difficult times. May we be each other's cup of cold water today, encouraging each other to hold fast to the one who is faithful.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:22-23