Where Joy and Sorrow Meet

When we were trying to figure out songs for Martin’s celebration of life there were so many to choose from. Martin loved music. He wasn’t a word-to-the-song type guy, he was more of an instruments type of guy. He couldn’t tell you many of the words to a song but he knew the tune.

We found this song when we were driving home from the hospital. We were trying to find music for Grandmother’s funeral service 4 months before. When this song played, I knew it was exactly what we would play. Grandmother’s service was more of a formal service because that is who she was. Martin’s on the other hand, was more of a laid-back celebration. But this song crossed over both their styles of services.

It’s true there is a place where joy and sorrow meet. But they are not celebrated in the same place. We are so happy that Martin is not enduring the pain and now he experiencing reunions and waiting with the saints for judgment day. The sorrow is what we feel, the void that Martin’s absence has left us with. But we also have a joy knowing we will see him again. God’s plan and timing are always perfect. That we know for sure!

I remember when people would call and check on us, it was so easy for me to say, “we are just sitting here waiting. I don’t know what we were waiting on but we were waiting.” We sat in our recliners next to each other for so many days unsure of what would happen. I thought we were waiting for God to heal him and we would be on our way to somewhere grand. I didn’t realize that God was planning to take him home to His presence. I.JUST.NEVER.THOUGHT! I don’t know that was what Martin was thinking either, he always had such a positive outlook. I often wonder at what point Martin knew he was not going to make it and how there had to be so many things he felt he needed and wanted to say.

Can you imagine not being able to speak?

My poor Martin couldn’t, he had leg cramps and would wiggle all over the bed and couldn’t tell me what was wrong, he just moaned and quietly cried. MY HEART BREAKS every single time I think of that. I don’t know how I finally figured out that was what was happening. But when I did, we stood beside his bed massaging out the muscles behind his left knee. They were rock hard and our hands were exhausted and throbbing by the time the muscle would finally release.

Why did he have to endure that? I want the people responsible for all of Martin’s pain to know what they have done to him. What he went through. I hope their greed keeps them warm at night.

WHERE JOY AND SORROW MEET

Lyrics

There’s a place of quiet stillness âtween the light and shadows reach
Where the hurting and the hopeless seek everlasting peace
Words of men and songs of angels whisper comfort bittersweet
Mending grief and life eternal where joy and sorrow meet

There is a place where hope remains
In crowns of thorns and crimson stains
And tears that fall on Jesus’ feet
Where joy and sorrow meet

There’s a place the lost surrender and the weary will retreat
Full of grace and mercy tender in times of unbelief
For the wounded there is healing, strength is given to the weak
Broken hearts find love redeeming where joy and sorrow meet

There’s a place of thirst and hunger where the roots of faith grow deep
And there is rain and rolling thunder when the road is rough and steep
There is hope in desperation there is victory in defeat
At the cross of restoration where joy and sorrow meet