joy in the hardships.

 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:13

 I always say that there is a difference between happiness and joy, as joy is eternal and happiness is temporary. You can always find joy from the Lord, even in the hardships of life, but what does that look like?

  Recently, my dads best friend, an uncle figure to me, passed away. He was battling cancer hard, and though we knew the day was coming, it was still so hard to truly accept the fact that he was gone. 

 When he passed, I didn’t know how my dad was going to walk forward without his best friend. I didn’t know what life was gonna look like. My uncle was a man of God. He was so rooted in his faith, and passed with peace knowing Heaven was near. 

 I think that made us all at peace too. My dad attended his funeral with gratitude. He saw light within the future. He knew he was in a better place, and though he was going to miss his friend, he was thankful for the many years they spent together making memories.

My family found such joy in the situation.

During the funeral, my dad spoke, leaving the audience with one task: to be like his friend. To be a generous, kind, loving, and joy seeking person. Someone who puts others before themselves, and puts Jesus first in it all.

 My uncle was a true light to the world. Someone who, in the midst of cancer and knowing his days were numbered, picked up a stranger's tab. He did all of that with joy from the Lord, and I believe that he truly represented a God fearing man.

 Together, our world can light up when we become God fearing people who seek to be more like Jesus everyday. 

 So, let’s be generous, humble, kind, and Jesus loving.

One light goes a long way.