FRIDAY

Psalm 30:11-12

• When in your life or in another’s life have you seen God work to change sorrow or pain into happiness or joy? What things are you able to give God thanks for today?

It might sound silly, but I witnessed a friend’s sorrow turn into joy when their dog passed away. It was a childhood dog that went with them when they moved out of their family home. They spent every day together; that dog was their comfort and support through thick and thin. As time passed, around the time I got to know them, their dog got sick and passed away. My friend was heartbroken, stuck in their room for a few days, mourning their beloved pet. During that time of sadness, they thought of an idea to begin running a dog daycare for people who have to go on trips or have other responsibilities. This daycare has grown tremendously and has given them joy from their sorrow because the way they loved their dog is the way they love every dog that comes into their care. I know God sparked that motivation in them. In their moment of suffering, they were able to look at how to help others. Our sorrow can turn into joy when we f ind ways to help others avoid sorrow.