I was talking with a friend this morning and was reminded of a quote that I heard one time “grief and joy can coexist”. I think that’s a really powerful and accurate statement about how life feels. Whether it’s in our own lives or in the lives of others, there seems to always be something to celebrate but also things that are devastatingly hard. It’s okay to feel sadness and happiness at the same time and Jesus is still sitting there beside us in it all. It’s something that has been on my heart recently because I know that it is God’s desire for us to rejoice in Him and also in the blessings He gives to us. It says in James 1:17 that every good and perfect gift is from above. Isaiah 40:31 says “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” So as we navigate both hardship and joy it is important to lean on Him for strength and stability.