Dear LPG, 

While many positive things are going on in life at any one time, they are also nearly always tinged with a degree of sadness, and I defy any person who has travelled its road to the point where they can see retirement in the not-too-distant future not to have experienced the same.  

 Many of us often try to hide this truth outwardly. Turbulence is the inner feeling that overwhelms us, and no matter how many people there are around us, the negative things that are a part of every life can make our existence a genuinely lonely place at times.  

There are many ways of dealing with our down times and, for those who have them, our religious beliefs are often the way we work through the more challenging chapters we are forced to cope with.

I am one of the 46% of Brits who affiliate themselves with Christianity, a belief which has helped me through many a tough episode in my life, and that has inspired my versed words that follow…  

JOY AMIDST THE SORROW

Though my days are flawed with sadness,

In my heart there’s joy and gladness.

Life’s not always smooth or flawless,

But I bless God for His goodness.

Though I pray and cry and tremble,

Though I waver, slip and stumble.

I refuse to moan or grumble,

Father God, please keep me humble…

Some may swear or whine in sorrow,

I’ll move on and face tomorrow.

On the pathway straight and narrow,

Joy will come amidst the sorrow.

Do not shower me with pity,

Though my sorrows here are plenty.

By the grace of The Almighty,

I shall dwell in peace and safety.

Script Refs: John 16:20‑23, Jude 24 & 25, Isa 52:6‑10, Ps 30:4 & 5, Acts 2:44‑47, Rev 21:4‑7

©2021 by Beverly Gooden Wilson