Sad Faces. True Joy.

Here’s what I hate: sad faces.

My youngest daughter turned 6 this past November. Birthdays for children generally mean lots of fanfare: cupcakes at school, cake at home, a party with friends, cards in the mail and gifts galore. My mom knew that the birthday girl would be getting lots of fun things, so she decided to also get a little something for my older daughter who is 8. “That way Abbey will have something to open as well.” Reasoned my thoughtful Mother. The gift she picked for Abbey was a lovely silky pink nightgown trimmed with lace and a matching robe. My mom was sure that Abbey would love it and she was right! On Lexi’s birthday, amidst all the piles of gifts Lexi was opening, I handed one small, flat box to Abbey. She quietly ripped it open and found the “Penoire” set.

Abbey was instantly thrilled.

The birthday girl was instantly jealous.

Sitting amidst all of her wrapping paper and brand new wonderful gifts, which she had asked for, she all of a sudden wanted what her sister had.

We were able to distract her with cake. Later that night Lexi swallowed her jealousy behind a sober face while her sister pranced around in her new fancy pajamas.

I sweetly suggested to my mom that Alexis would like the same “Penoire” set for Christmas should she be so inclined. “Oh of course!” came the reply.

Then, on Christmas Eve Eve, it all flew up in Lexi’s face again. Here is what happened. We were staying with my mom in Houston for Christmas. The girls had their pajamas on for bed—Alexis in her cute candy-cane pants and top and Abbey in her oh-so-lovely pink nightgown. My mom came in to kiss them goodnight. She caught sight of Abbey in that lovely silky fluttery robe and ooed and awed appropriately. “Oh, Abigail, that is just so beautiful on you! Don’t you look so pretty!”

And there, in her candy cane pajamas, stood Alexis--stone faced. Her brown eyes hardened and then glistened with tears held captive by her steely will. Her jaw clenched slightly, but her lower lip puffed out a little. It was the saddest face you’ve ever seen. The emotions of a heavy heart made visible to the rest of us.

But, the rest of us (well, except for Abbey), knew something that Alexis didn’t know. We knew that in just two short days Alexis would have her very own silky pink Penoire set.

She didn’t know that though. She kept her entire body stiff as my mom hugged her goodnight. She couldn’t bear to look at her sister in her flowing, pink nightdress. I can only imagine what she was thinking as her sad face finally laid against the pillow.

Here’s what I love: True Joy.

Christmas morning. Wrapping paper flutters all over the floor. Gifts stack up near by. Laughter abounds. Eagerness wins out over propriety. Then, a special gift is laid in her lap. She has no clue what it could be. She has no idea why we are all watching her expectantly.

She finally gets through the ribbon, wrapping, and tape.

She lifts off the tissue.

Her eyes shine as she sees what is inside.

The very thing she was wanting is now in her lap at just the right time!

Her big sister rejoices with her! “Now we are matching!”

Everyone is happy. No more sad faces. Only rejoicing over pink silky pjs trimmed with lace.

All too often, we are sad about what we lack. How come he gets that promotion and I don’t!?” “How come they have that kind of car and we don’t?!” “How come she gets a husband and I don’t!?”

There is Someone who knows our heart (even better than we know ourselves). He has a little package of His grace to give us. Something way better than pink (fake) silk in which to cloth us. Sometimes we get exactly what we were wanting. Other times we get something all together different and perhaps we are disappointed. But, in time, we realize that what we actually received is way better than what we had wanted initially. (Like that cheesy country song about unanswered prayers).

And, if we are really paying attention—if we open our spiritual eyes, we’ll find that actually, Jesus Himself is all that we really need and the only thing that will fill every deep desire. Sure, He often blesses us with glorious things…like nightgowns, houses, jobs, and husbands and children. But the greatness of God Himself is the only lasting filler of our heart’s desire.

Isaiah 12:5-6


5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; 
 let this be known to all the world. 
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, 
 for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Matthew 6:33

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.