I don’t know why, but when I was younger, I used to see if I could force a smile on my face during the most sad or hurtful circumstances—just to see if it could be done. It was not easy. But now, a smile comes to my face naturally at the most unusual of times. It is not as if I am happier or have better circumstances than anyone else (though I’m sure that is true too, as I am blessed), but the more I focus on the grace of Christ the more it affects and runs into every chasm of my soul.

I confess sin, and I bask in thankfulness simultaneously. Perhaps this is part of what Paul meant when he wrote, “Hard pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” I feel as if I have a twisted grin on my face at times when I am alone—sorrowful and broken over my sin—only a small part of which I am aware. And at the same time the light of grace pours in and lights up any shadow of darkness. And if death has no more sting, then what power does a bad day have over me? Even an injury, or a bad meeting, or a strained relationship, or a sickness, or anything else in all creation?