I’ve never posted a picture on this blog.

I guess there was a part of me that just wanted the words to speak for themselves without trying to make you picture something. But this entry is different.  It’s all about a picture.

There’s my Mom.  It was her birthday.  And there’s me to her left, my brother, his wife and son next to me.  And then there’s my older sister on the other side of Mom, and my younger sister and her husband next to her.  And four more nephews (and their dog) out in front.

And we’re all smiling.  And that’s why I love the picture.

We’re smiling in spite of the obvious.  We’re smiling in spite of the fact that someone is missing from the family picture this year.  We’re smiling because in spite of that, we’re still a family. We still have joy.

We still have hope.

Joy does come in the morning.  God promises us that.  But sometimes it takes a picture to see that it’s really, really true.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5

Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.  John 16:22

 For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.  Psalm 36:9

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Psalm 51:12