Rejoicing Despite Disappointment

Rejoicing Despite Disappointment - Family Trip on Graduation Day

Rejoicing Despite Disappointment

Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Dear Kids,

This past weekend was supposed to be an exciting one. Luke and Nathan should have been walking onto a stage at the Wright State University’s Nutter Center Arena to receive diplomas. All of us should have been sitting in the stands cheering as Luke was hooded and recognized for earning his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Nathan also would have been handed his diploma for a Bachelor’s degree in the same. Two graduates – double the celebration. But because of the circumstances caused by the COVID-19 virus everything changed and we had a choice to make. We could sit around and feel sorry over the disappointment, or accept the day the Lord had made and be glad in it!

Rejoicing in Disappointment

We chose the latter. We packed a picnic lunch and caravanned to Southern Ohio to spend a fun day together hiking, exploring family history, and making memories. We visited Grandma Sheridan’s old homestead where we hiked up to the pond and upper field. We talked and laughed and hunted for mushrooms, all the while enamored by sweet baby Lilly and entertained by two-year old Ruby’s antics.

At midday we found ourselves at an old family cemetery tucked into a hidden spot at the end of a gravel road. There we peeked into the past through the windows and wooden door of a tiny primitive church building furnished only with log benches and a rough pulpit. We reflected on the many generations of family members whose crumbling grave stones gave testimony to the days they once lived. After enjoying our packed lunches on picnic tables under the modern pavilion we began our trek home. We were tired but happy. The day that should have been was different than we had expected. But it was still the day the Lord had made and we found gladness in it.

Life is Not What We Imagined a Year Ago

Many in our society are experiencing disappointments right now. Countless students mourn the loss of wearing the traditional cap and gown of their school and walking down the aisle with their classmates to receive recognition for their years of hard work. Others are exchanging their dreams of a large traditional wedding for a few friends gathered in a living room on the special day. Yet other families are mourning the loss of loved ones without the attendance of extended family and friends.

Life is not what we imagined it would be a year ago, but we still have control over our responses. We can choose to rant and rave about the unfairness of life. We can blame government officials for making difficult choices that affect our hopes and dreams. We can harbor bitterness and shrivel up inside. Or we can choose to recognize that God is still in control. Today is still the day that the Lord has made. Will you rejoice and be glad in it?

Love,
Mama

6 Comments

  1. Jace on May 8, 2020 at 9:54 AM

    Still love the simple home style encouragement of your posts. Appreciate you

    • Sandy Sheridan on May 8, 2020 at 10:04 AM

      Thanks, Jace. You encourage me as usual! Blessings! 🙂

  2. Heather Wenzel on May 8, 2020 at 10:57 AM

    I agree with Jace! I love your writing style and I can hear your voice so clearly with each read, even though it’s been many years. Congratulations to your sons on their achievements and Happy Mother’s Day to you!

  3. Karen on May 8, 2020 at 6:10 PM

    Thank you, Sandy…you shared a verse I have known for years but was so helpful to be reminded of!

  4. Ruthann Wessel on May 10, 2020 at 7:35 AM

    Once again I am blessed by your wonderful post. Thank you for this precious reminder that God is SOVEREIGN. This is the day that God has made. Enjoy this Mothers Day.

  5. […] It was the end of an era! Twenty-two years, five children, myriads of smiles and tears . . . This past Thursday our youngest, Abigail Sheridan, graduated from Cedarville High School. It was not at all the typical ceremony and celebration we had anticipated for her graduation day. But thanks to administrators, teachers, friends, and family the day was perfect! My heart was full with the outpouring of support. But my eyes pooled and my throat choked up especially when I saw the crowds lining the street. These spectators of our parade of cars were the icing on the cake. In fact, this parade washed away the rain of disappointment resulting from a COVID–19 graduation. […]

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Hi, I'm Sandy! 

I write inspirational letters based on the Bible that share words of hope, encouragement, truth, and healing to my children and anyone else who longs for a mama's touch.

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