A Glimpse Of Joy

I rarely saw that smile from my friend's face. The kind that dimpled the corner of her mouth and made her eyes shone brighter. Over a cup of coffee, actually, many more cups followed, we both savored the ordered huge breakfasts from the menu. Typical conversations were put out on the table about work, about others' insensitivity, about life.

Hers was not easy. Losing her only sibling, she gave her life caring for her nephews and her mother. She often thought how unlucky she was. A person with a good heart but rejected by many, she never understood why. All she wanted was to be accepted and be loved. Despite the circumstances surrounding her, she remained respectful of others, she remained forgiving, and she continued to love with all the best she could give.

"I'm starving!" I told her as we sat on the table given to us after I picked her up and had invited her to have breakfast with me.

She smiled. I loved seeing those smiles. Knowing that even for brief moments, I was hoping she would forget all the cares in this world. I wanted to let her know that someone cared for her and truly loved her. I wanted to let her know that she was not alone in her struggles. After all, I was only sharing what I had received from Someone Who also loved and cared for me.

We joked around while eating,seeing more smiles that made her weary face even more beautiful.

"How come you're not touching this waffle? I thought we'd share?" she asked me.

"I'm full. I know you liked those that's why I ordered them for you."

"But you said you're starving!" she probed.

"I was..." then I got quiet.

I got lost to thinking that my true hunger was not coming from my stomach. My true hunger was coming from my heart. I wanted to see more moments like these. I wanted to see her happy. I wanted to see those precious, rare smiles on her face. To see it gave me a glimpse of joy knowing that it was a true, heartfelt kind of smile that was hard to surface when someone went through and still is going through very tough times.

Joy that is a gift only from God.

Then I knew she was okay because she also has a piece of heaven in her heart despite her difficult journey.

"Want more coffee?" interrupted the server.

"Please..." I requested.

I glanced quickly at her face and saw her smiled again as she uttered, "Gee! Is that your 3rd cup?"

I smiled back at her. If only she knew...I could have more cups of coffee if only to stall time as it was, to freeze the moment and to see her forget about her worries and see those joy-coated smiles the way it should be. The truth was that it was how God wanted and meant it to be...Because God loved us all first...

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." - 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

Lord, help me to have more compassion towards others the way You do. Help me respond to situations and trials in Your ways, not mine. Remind me not to be concerned with the burden that comes from life's trials knowing that none of them are bigger than You. God of possible. God Who is able. Lord, please bless my loved ones and friends and my blogging friends. I know You know each heart's needs. But I want to thank You Lord for everything that You have done for us. Thank You for Your compassion and mercy. May many more turn to You, humble their hearts and accept You as their Lord. Father, thank You for giving us a piece of heaven in our hearts through Jesus. Thank You for Your gift of joy that soothes us, that calms us as we face turbulent life's storms. Thank You for Your love. In Jesus' Name. Amen.