Guest post by Christy Knetsch

Have you ever wondered if it’s okay to feel joy when you’re also feeling sad or are suffering? A wise person once told me, “God gave us two hands for a reason— one to hold the joy of life and one for the sorrow.”

Yes, there will be moments of joy overflowing in our lives, but there also will be those times of suffering and sorrow.

But the beautiful part is, we can hold both of them at the same time. The Apostle Paul says in second Corinthians, yes, there will be sorrow. And yet, at the same time, we are called to be rejoicing. It’s okay to laugh and celebrate, even when you’re carrying grief. God is present in both hands, whose Grace meets us at our lowest points, like rain, that collects in the valleys.

You’re not alone in your sorrow, and you don’t have to wait for the pain to pass before you embrace the joy. So, go ahead. Give yourself permission to feel joy and sorrow at the same time.

God bless.