This has reminded me how fleeting happiness is. I know my examples are not tragedies, just inconveniences, but I do believe the same principles apply. Josiah and I have talked many times about how happiness should not be our goal in life. Happiness is too situational. Since each day is filled with good and bad, joy and hardship, why make a goal that is going to be shattered depending on circumstances? We don't teach happiness as a goal to our kids either. When a big hardship or struggle comes there way, what would they stand on for support? Instead we concentrate on peace. Despite the fact that some days are good and some are bad we can have peace. Life is unpredictable and we have found so far that peace takes us further than happiness.
Josiah and I have had our share of struggles. We have been hurt and disappointed by those close to us, we have experienced death and pain, we have had marital conflict that lasts longer than it should, our kids have left us with feelings of inadequacy as we try to parent the best we can, and we've been sad or sick for prolonged periods. Our kids see these feelings on our faces and I can already tell that they know life isn't perfect. What they are also learning though is that God is with us. He is here in our home helping us along. God brings a peace through the bad as we trust Him and we can lean on Him for it all. As we are real with our children and show them this comfort, I find we are giving them something much more substantial than happiness. We are giving them an anchor for the hard days. I recently heard someone who was experiencing their last days on earth say, "I am ready because going to Heaven feels a lot like just walking from the kitchen to the living room". I marvel at this peace. This comment is hopeful too, because it shows that peace has no limits. God can get us there regardless of the storm around us.
As we continue to prepare for adoption, we are trying to remember that we have many unknowns ahead. We know that there are struggles to come and transitions that will be difficult. We know that adoption is not easy and certainly not just happy moments. As we take it day by day we bathe each day in prayer and remind ourselves of the peace of God. We see His hand, hear His voice, and know that He is filling not just us, but our kids as well with His strength. And we pray the same for you as you go through your own struggles and tears. our own good days and bad days. We know that not all your days are happy but we pray that there is peace. As you strive for this peace please know that you can always lean on us as we lean on God.