For Joy

for joy

I was young and some childhood friends were moving away.

“Don’t you dare cry,” we challenged each other and waved goodbye.

The years passed and across the miles, death claimed many of our family.

I couldn’t get home for the funerals.

The few tears I allowed came only when I was alone.

Someone left forever who was never going to leave. There seemed to be no time to cry, figuring out how to survive. Later, death claimed him too.

The children grew and married, as was right, “Don’t cry Mom,” they laughed, and then were gone.

One day, in the Bible, I read again of His Love for me, that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

“I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you.” John 14:18

..” that He may abide with you forever.” John 14:16

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b NKJV

“Lo, I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20c KJV

I had a lifetime’s worth of tears stored up.

I bowed my head on my clasped hands and finally wept…..

for JOY.