Kristen filled her mug with coffee and took a seat at the table in the break room. Megan followed suit and joined her. “I don’t know how I’d make it through the day without this,” Kristen said.

“Tell me about it,” Megan said. “How are things going?”           

Kristen sighed. “Everything is a mess right now. The contractors are so behind schedule. I don’t think they’re ever going to finish our bathroom. The dog hasn’t been eating right, so I have to take him to the vet after work, and the car is making a strange rattling noise. I’m just tired.”

“Yeah, sometimes life is hard,” Megan said. “My daughter is driving me insane. I don’t remember ever being so dramatic when I was a teenager. Everything is life or death with her.”

As the two friends commiserated, Heather entered the room. “Good morning, ladies. Isn’t it such a beautiful day?”

Kristen rolled her eyes. “Good morning, Heather,” Megan said, without much enthusiasm.

Heather filled her cup with coffee, brewed a fresh pot, and wiped the counter before returning to her desk.

“I don’t understand her,” Megan said. “She’s always so happy. I’ve never seen her without a smile. And did you see she cleaned up the kitchen?”

Kristen blew on her coffee before taking a sip. “She probably has a perfect life. Perfect husband, kids who never misbehave. If I didn’t have all these problems, I could be happy like that too.”

“True,” Megan said.

A moment later, Craig entered the breakroom. “What’s up?”

“We were just talking about Heather,” Kristen said.

“Oh, I know, it’s so sad, isn’t it?” Craig said.

“What’s sad?” Megan asked. “Certainly not Heather.”

“I know. Her attitude is remarkable.” He filled his mug and turned to face them. “Her daughter has leukemia. She’d been in remission for a while, but it’s come back. I expect Heather will have to take a leave of absence to take care of her, being a single parent.”           

Kristen and Megan stared at Craig. “I had no idea,” Kristen said. “How old is her daughter?”

“She’s six. Heather’s husband left them the last time little Emma was sick. Said he didn’t sign up for this. Poor woman has had to deal with all this on her own. Not to mention all the medical bills.” Craig nodded to the women and exited the room.

Kristen and Megan were speechless for several moments. “I think I better get back to work,” Megan said.

“Right,” Kristen said, and they made their way back to their desks. Kristen stared at her computer screen, but couldn’t focus on work. How could Heather be going through all that and still be so cheerful all the time? It didn’t make sense. And why was she always doing things for other people? She must be busy at home all the time, caring for a sick child by herself. Kristen’s problems were nothing compared to Heather’s. While she and her husband bickered occasionally, she knew he loved her. And the bathroom project was a luxury. They had a second bathroom, so the remodel was nothing but a slight inconvenience. The vet would fix up the dog, and the mechanic would fix the car. Nothing could fix Heather’s problems.

Kristen sat a while longer, but gave up on accomplishing. She needed to talk to Heather. She made her way down the hall to Heather’s cube.

“Oh, hi, Kristen. What can I do for you?”

Kristen twisted her hands together in front of her. “I wanted to let you know I’m sorry to hear your daughter is sick.”

Heather’s smile faltered. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“It must be so hard for you.”

“It is, but I’m trusting she’ll be OK. She’s a tough little girl.”

“How do you do that all the time?”

Heather’s forehead wrinkled. “Do what?”

“Always see the bright side of everything.”
“It’s all about perspective,” Heather said. “When I consider all the blessings in my life and focus on being grateful for them, it’s easy to have joy.”
“What blessings? It seems like life has thrown you a raw deal,” Kristen said, then clapped her hand to her mouth. “I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine,” Heather said. “Maybe from the outside my life seems rough, and I wouldn’t have chosen to go through these trials, but I trust God has a reason for them. I’m certainly a more compassionate and patient person than I used to be. I’m stronger and much closer to God. I know I’m never alone, because God is with me in all my trials.”

She pushed her chair away from her desk to face Kristen fully. “I love Emma with all my heart, but I know no matter the outcome, I’ll be with her in heaven. That’s my true joy. Either God will choose to heal her on earth or she’ll be whole in heaven. And when I join her and we’re standing with Jesus, my joy will be complete.”

Kristen stared at Heather for a moment, then swallowed hard. “Do you think you could take me to church with you sometime?”

1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

 

John 15: 9-11 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 

Dear Lord, You’ve allowed trials in our lives for a reason. Please help us to keep our blessings at the forefront of our minds as we endure the trials. Help us to remember we are Your children and you love us and want what is best for us. You’ve given us hope and joy. Help us to show that joy to others so they may be drawn to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.