When was the last time you laughed? I don’t mean a little chuckle. I mean a genuine, from the gut, I’m-gonna-pee-my pants laugh. I suppose the current state of the world around us could make that challenging. Everybody’s trying to get the last word. Devastation is everywhere (flooding, fires, etc.). For some reason we have a famine of people willing to put in an honest day at work. I don’t think I need to continue down the list; you get my point. But back to my original question: When was the last time you laughed? REALLY laughed!
This picture conveys so many things. A planned supper date with my friend, Sarah, turned into a brief visit with another mutual friend, Carrie. As if we were teenagers back in high school, we carelessly laughed; simple nonsense. It didn’t matter what the news was saying on the TV in the background. Regardless of the dumpster fire we might have walked away from at work earlier in the day. No matter what we had going on the next day or the day after that. In those beautiful moments with friends, we had/have the most important thing in common. We know Jesus.
For quite some time now, I’ve watched, listened to, and read the barrage of narratives and opinions and rambling that surround us each and every day. It can suck the life out of you if you aren’t careful. But if your priorities are aligned as they should be, you won’t be derailed too long. If you have Jesus taking up residence in your heart, you don’t have room for the nonsense. No time for the banter; no matter which direction it comes from. No interest in the games being played. There’s no appeal.
You are not hearing me say that we should be ignorant or uninformed. I’m also not saying that we don’t have firm convictions based on our faith and trust in Jesus. What I am saying is that Jesus matters more to me than all of that silliness the world wants us wrapped up in. I refuse to lose friends over it. I won’t fall prey to picking sides. Most have lost a grip on the reality that the answers likely reside somewhere in the middle. That’s a place a lot of people don’t want to be because it usually involves compromise.
So, again, back to my question. When was the last time you laughed? Take it one step further and when was the last time you laughed from pure joy? My days are not unlike most. They have challenges and sometimes try to push me off a ledge. But Jesus has invaded every nook and cranny of my heart. He’s filled me up so full that joy and laughter are easily found. That’s what I want for all of you. To know the most incredible “heaven on earth” life that is possible.
Psalm 34:1 ~ I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.