I bought this glass at Goodwill.  I smiled as I paid $.99 each for six. The reason this was amusing to me is that I had donated these champagne glasses last week when, in an obsessive fury, I filled boxes and bags of things we no longer use.

But, is celebration something I want to hold on to, even on days when my heart is broken?

And how do I sustain my own celebrating heart as I walk alongside the shattered heart of someone I love?

The verses below are familiar to us, yet finding how these pieces fit together in the bordered jigsaw of life draws us to our knees.

Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

…you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

My prayer today is that I respond to my friend with compassion, keep my hope anchored in Him, and celebrate that, I too, am seated with Christ.

I plan to celebrate with ministry friends this weekend. We have seen God’s footprints and we are glad.

I want to learn to celebrate, wholeheartedly, when His footprints disappear.

His Presence is not dependent on my being able to track Him but His being able to keep His promises to me. Amen.