Romans 12:15

 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

We all have a lot of growing up to do, don't we?  God is patient and kind and teaches us what we need to know.  Sometimes it just takes us a bit longer.  God is teaching me to be a better friend, to care about others better and to think outside myself way more than I ever did before.  I think I did okay before, but looking back over the past 3 years... how could I ever have liked me???  I think that every time God grows me up some.  I look back and see that sin and selfishness that I had before and I'm so glad I'm free from that part of it now.  I rejoice in growing and changing and becoming a better friend and caring individual.  I know I still have a long way to go and I'm grateful He's not done with me yet.  I know I will look back and think the same thing all over again.

God wired us all differently.  I love that.  I love seeing what everyone likes and what makes them smile.  What makes people rejoice.  A wedding makes people rejoice.  Why?

I enjoyed watching the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  I enjoyed watching the clothes and the hats.  The creative, fun-loving side of me wanted to rejoice in something that brought another family happiness.  I just *love* weddings; any wedding.  I would crash weddings if it was acceptable.  I want to rejoice with the couple and to take part in another person's happiness.  Why?  It's love.  Weddings are about love.  The pure love for each other that grows over time with familiarity and heart connections.  God wired us that way.  God is love.  He has the ultimate love for us that never fades away.  It only grows better when we've grown to be familiar with Him and know Him better.  He created love.  He is love.

At the same time today, while watching the wedding, there was an event (and I'm sure there were many more) happening around the world that was not rejoiceful, and brings much sadness.  Tornadoes hit Alabama today, and at the same time the wedding was taking place, there were others on the other side of the world dealing with complete loss and devastation.  Isn't that the searing side of living on earth?  In a fallen (not perfect) world?  How can we all be rejoicing when others are struggling?  I don't know the answer.

There are times of blessings and there are times of trials.  Those trials bring us back to humility and back to our Creator.  Our blessings and times of rejoicing give us hope and a renewed heart.  I am thankful for both.  I don't think I could live in this fallen world with one of them missing.  Too many blessings: haughty and prideful.  Too many struggles: depression and loss of hope.  Thank God He gives us both.