My Soul's Sunshine

It's been a good summer for us so far, even though it hasn't been an easy summer. I know that it might even seem odd to some that I can walk around with a smile on my face and a song spilling forth from my heart.

(For those who may not know, my parents, siblings, and I have lived with my dad's mom for almost the past 10 years, taking care of the needs she has had due to Alzheimer's Disease. But Grandma [or "Grammy" as my littlest siblings call her] has not had an easy time physically for quite some time, especially since early summer. Soon, yet oh-so-slowly, August was upon us. On the 24th her suffering ended when she went to be with her Saviour Jesus Christ ... and so peacefully too, without any pain or agitation, not even needing any medications to assist her comfort level.)

So, in the midst of a time of pain & grief, I can see why others might not understand. But it's because we have so much to thank & praise the Lord for, that I can carry on as I do. As I alluded to in the paragraph above, our greatest comfort & confidence is knowing that Grammy is now with our Lord, because there was a time when she put her personal trust in Jesus Christ alone. It's also wonderful to know that she's now reunited with my grandfather & other loved ones as well, including her twin sister, and no longer confused nor mostly blind & deaf. Also, there are so many answered prayers to think back upon, and the way we have already been able to reach out to family & friends has been a joy. Now, our greatest desire & prayer is that all glory & honor would go to our Lord Jesus Christ, and that our friends & loved ones would come to know His saving grace.

I know we'll all miss her. Indeed, we already do! There have already been so many times I've thought of her, anticipating her needing something, or expecting to hear her clear her throat to get our attention. And yet, if you could see me now, you'd also know that I'm not sorrowing my days away. Instead, you would see my heart is full with a deep, resounding, peace-filled joy ... and yes, a smile to fill my face.

With that in mind, I'd like to share a hymn that I've always enjoyed, and now has become extra special to me over the summer.

Sunshine in My Soul

Eliza Hewitt

There's sunshine in my soul today, more glorious and bright

Than glows in any earthly way, for Jesus is my light.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

There's music in my soul today, a carol to my King,

And Jesus, listening can hear the songs I cannot sing.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

There's springtime in my soul today, for when the Lord is near

The dove of peace sings in my heart, the flowers of grace appear.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

There's gladness in my soul today, and hope and praise and love,

For blessings which He gives me now, for joys "laid up" above.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.