But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. (Luke 15:32)

And I am overwhelmed with the truth.

I was a source of joy in heaven. I was a reason for rejoicing and celebration for my Father. I sat in a hospital cafeteria and took hold of the hope someone offered to my broken self. I did not feel the heavens part or the earth shake, or anything at all, really. But today I was reminded that heaven erupted at the sound of my ‘yes’. I had been lost but now I was found and my Father celebrated.

When did I start believing that He stopped celebrating? When did the enemy convince me that the joy is over? That I am a reason for disappointment and disapproval, not rejoicing?

Today, I will most likely be bombarded with the temptation to believe a lie, to give in or give up. I will feel the hot breath of “do more, be better, get it together” on my neck.

But Jesus met me this morning with truth, with a memory from heaven. Today, my resting place is in the knowledge that I am a joy to my Father. Still. Always.