Full of Sorrow and Full of Joy

Felt the value of a heart today. No wonder Christ puts so much value in our attitudes because our hearts mean everything. Saw a lot today. So many things to write about and how different it is here. You see both the good and bad. But what was important to me was what I saw with my heart.


How can a heart have both the capacity for sorrow and joy at the same time.

My heart breaks for one of our interpreters named Luis. As we made our journey to Santiago Luis got a call that his grandmother had just died. He had to cut his trip short on his first day to go be with his family.

For a short time this morning we had got to know him as he helped us exchange money and buy more supplies for the school children. You have never met a more caring and friendly guy with the big smile to match.

Our hearts break for him and knowing that he is going through other family issues as well and was still willing to serve us for the sake of our Lord will forever tie my heart to his. He has a prayer warrior in me and I hope you will join me in lifting him up in prayer. He could use some strength that only Christ can give and I am thankful to have met him.

So when I think of the day my heart was broken but it was also full of joy.

So many people that I saw on the way that a smile or a wave would get the biggest response.

What joy! I love these people! The little kids especially! Sometimes they would be unsure, then they would give a little smile and just raise their hand in a little wave. A sparkle in their eyes brings joy to my heart!

I just want to know them. I want to look them in the eyes and even though I can't say I love them with my mouth, I want them to see it in my eyes.

Maybe that's what a heart like Christ is like. Both broken and joyful on the same day or even in the same moment.

Jesus is a man of sorrows but He is also our joy!

I thank Him for this day!
 
(though I am posting this. It was written By Joe Lange while the internet was down)