While we’re working on this long game of restoration (and I say “we” because I’m a survivor too), something that will often make the journey easier is an appreciation for beauty and joy. What makes you smile, or brings you delight, when you see it? I like flowers and the comics in the daily newspaper. You might like funny TikTok pet videos.

We are humans so we have the capacity for complex emotions. Yes, we carry the burden of trauma, but enjoying something pleasant doesn’t mean we are disrespecting or ignoring our sorrow (Philippians 4:8).

Let’s laugh as we grow and move toward wholeness, though of course we should never laugh at someone’s else’s pain. Smile at something silly, or delightful. Share something funny with someone else. And give thanks to the good Lord, who sends us light moments to ease the heaviness.    

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash.com.