Mega Millions, Mansions and the Market

At first glance, you may have expected I would be blogging about life’s “big wins” or measures of success. Playing the lottery, living in luxury or cashing in on a successful stock or bond is temporary. Loss is imminent. I’m not implying that nice things aren’t fun and that having money doesn’t make things more comfortable at some point. Honestly, a great cup of coffee in the morning or after a meal with a little something sweet gives me the same feeling. The harsh reality is, it is only temporary. It will, in time, all pass away. 

My hope is this blog will encourage and not discourage. Always. I need to be honest though. My everyday joy doesn’t come from temporary sources. In the past five years, my husband and I had to work hard at choosing joy. The amount of tragic, unexpected family loss has been great. Nothing and I mean NOTHING in this world could satisfy or help us “win” the war of loss. Just a few other losses I feel I need to mention for you to understand the pain of loss my husband and I have endured throughout our journey together. The day we got married was the last day we saw my husband’s parents together. The divorced shortly after. Two years after we were married we lost a baby. Full term. Sweet Sarah Rachel. My incredible dad died at 52 of mesothelioma on September 12, 2001, the day after the twin towers fell. Can’t glance over my husband losing multiple jobs he loved through downsizing or the company declaring bankruptcy. There is more but I don’t want to go on and on.

How do you “Win” in the game of life? 

Life is full of choices. Life is full of loss. As I carried our daughter Sarah inside me, realizing she was probably not going to live, I remember facing the wall inside our first home. I asked God why. I pleaded with him for a miracle. Life was ugly and I wanted to hold Him responsible. John 16:33 says “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I still had a choice. I wanted to walk away. I couldn’t. I knew His plans for me were good. I also knew trusting Him in this journey was going to be hard. On July 2nd, 1996 she entered the arms of Jesus forever. She never experienced the loss we do in this world. How could I be mad upset about that?

Finally, I promise, whatever you are facing today, you can experience peace and joy. I’ve been there. Maybe not in the same situation but in a dark place, in an unkind war of sorts. Here are my thoughts…

1. NOTHING will satisfy like having a relationship with Jesus Christ
2. Sharing his love EVERYDAY is important
3. Choose joy everyday