Troubles here...even more joy there

        After all the rain and fog the day before, here's how July 4th dawned in the mountains--

        We couldn't believe it. After all, every weather forecast had unambiguously declared that July 4th would be more of the same--rain, thunderstorms, and more rain (which in the mountains often also entails fog, fog, and more fog).  So when Bingley and I headed out for our walk early July 4th morning,  I rejoiced in the momentarily beautiful start to the day--thank You, Lord!  A few minutes later, it was still lovely...

 ...and yes, I prayed earnestly that God might graciously extend that weather a bit longer--at least for a few hours in the morning so folks could get outside and enjoy some outdoor activities as well as the beauty of the mountains.
        Okay, I know there are far more important things to pray about than the weather, but we're told not to be "anxious about anything [even the weather], but in everything [what does "everything" exclude?  Nothing!] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving [thank You, Father, even for the rain, fog, heat, snow, cold, ice...], let your requests be made known to God." (Phil.4:6)  If you ask me, nothing's too big or impossible for God in prayer...and nothing's too small or inconsequential.  Aren't you thankful for a Heavenly Father like that?
        Anyway, the long and the short of it is--God proved all the weather forecasters wrong, and the entire day and evening of July 4th was spectacular!  A few clouds here and there, but no rain or fog.  In fact, Bingley and I enjoyed a wonderful time of Bible study and reading on the porch, while gazing out over the beauty of valley below.

        The boys played golf, and Mary Norris, Bingley and I enjoyed walking along and watching them.

        And then, to top it all off, we loved, loved, loved the fireworks--

        In fact, this was the highlight of the day as our porch provided a terrific view both of the fireworks on the mountain as well as the fireworks' celebrations that were happening in the valley below.  What an unforgettable sight to watch those multiple little puffs of exploding color all over the dark patchwork quilt of the valley below us.  Oh how I wished we could freeze time and bottle up each of those moments last night!  It was the perfect storm of joy: together with most of our family, in a place we all love, and enjoying the wonder of the fireworks adorning the valley and the mountain.
        And to think--we might have missed all of it had the weather been the fog, rain, and thunderstorms we'd been expecting.
        So here's the thing: this reminded me of some of Paul's words about the priceless, beautiful gift of eternal life given to us by Jesus: "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'  'O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  (I Cor.15:54-56)
        I've often pondered the meaning of the words, "Death is swallowed up in victory."  I'm definitely no theologian, but I'm wondering whether part of the meaning could be that the sorrows, suffering, disappointments, and failures we each endure in life are the very means of making that wondrous gift of eternal life all the sweeter.  Could it be that the perfection, glory, and joy of heaven will be multiplied and enhanced by our sorrows and trials down here?
        Do you know what I'm mean?  Of course, the expectation of bad weather and the happy surprise of wonderful weather is such a pale, pitiful comparison, but the principle--on a much larger scale--is the same.  Whenever you've gone through something really tough or really painful, when you come through on the other side, all the rest of life suddenly seems so much sweeter and dearer.  Even the simplest, smallest things in life become infused with wonder.
       Spend time in an ICU room with a loved one...or face a difficult battle with cancer...or struggle with a hard, perplexing relationship.  When you come through it, oh my, the sky appears so much bluer.  The ocean more bracing.  The hug of your child more precious.  The sound of laughter more joyous.  The smell of baking bread more appetizing.
         Suffering will do that to you--and it's a huge, huge gift, don't you think?
         So imagine what it will be like in the ultimate place of joy, perfection, wonder, and glory?!  Death truly will be swallowed up in victory, for that victory will mega-multiplied and enhanced by any suffering or disappointments or tragedies we've endured during our momentary journey on this planet.
       After all, we're only passing through...but heaven is ahead.  All our troubles and trials here will only mean more joy there.  Amazing.  Only our God could do that.
        To God be the glory.