Joy and Pain

I just returned from the Ladies' Retreat with my church. It was in nice hotel in a nearby town. It ended up being a really good time with friends and a great chance to get to know some new people and be around the "Oak Trees" in our church. (the older generation with such strong roots)
The theme was "Joy in the Midst of Pain". All people can relate to this topic at some point in their lives, whether from relationships, death, jobs, family issues, medical conditions, depression, or other life circumstances that come our way. That pain seems so overwhelming that it is hard to imagine anything but. I kept wishing that the mother of my student that just lost her husband could be present for this seminar, because she so needs to hear the words of hope that can follow pain. But not only did it remind me to seek the joy of the Lord, but to encourage those people going through things that there is hope.
I came home to a quiet house. I thought the boys might already be napping but they were just sitting quietly at the table, eating their PB & J's, while Dad was cutting up apples for them. The house was clean and the laundry was almost finished. I was grateful and proud for the job well done, while I was away. They had a great "guys" weekend. (down to the army guy figurines they acquired while I was gone) I am truly blessed.
So I start this week with a fresh attitude, a renewed spirit, laundry completed, and I'm ready to face the school week with a new sense of joy.
(should be easy for me right?)