The Bible tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn. But sometimes it’s still tricky to determine which action is called for. Let me explain.

My husband and I were having dinner some time ago with old friends when they told us about their troubles. Hearing water trickling in the bathroom, the couple took it upon themselves to determine the cause and fix it. Since we are the same kind of people who fix things for ourselves, we appreciated the spirit in which they undertook the task. Unable to pinpoint the sound, the husband began disassembling fixtures and cabinets. The sound continued, so he tore open a wall. Still hearing the sound, he began ripping up the floor until the whole bathroom was in pieces. Exasperated that the water trickling continued, they finally called a plumber.

The plumber came in, listened for a minute, then walked outside and turned off the garden hose. He left a bill, of course.

My husband and I looked at each other for a second, unsure of whether to pity them or laugh unmercifully. We chose the latter. And thankfully, they joined us.

In like manner, I find myself in a similar situation today—unsure of whether to laugh or cry. My husband finally returned home from a routine business trip after ten days. While I am wildly thankful to have some parenting relief and we are celebrating his return, I find the party dampened with my miserable head cold. It’s bad. So while I hope you’ll rejoice with us in Greg’s safe return home, I wouldn’t mind a few “Poor Amy’s” as well.

Unless, of course, I’ve earned a taste of my own medicine.