The Lord makes me very happy;
    all that I am rejoices in my God. – Isaiah 61:10a

I am pondering the truth of the beginning of this verse as I pray for my kids. They are all hurting and missing Peru a lot. God is with them, and he will be with them always. That is a truth I know, and it gives me peace. Jesus was a man of sorrows as he endured the pain and struggles of the this life and the cross for the joy set before him. And so I know pain and happiness can travel together. So I hurt a little to watch my kids suffer in the present even though I know that there is a greater joy in front of them. Praise God for that assurance.