Laugh!

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  

Proverbs 31:25

How unattainable this verse seems now as we have walked through the first month of a new decade. We have already watched unkindness and uncertainty continue to flourish in the political situation in our country.  Homeland disasters occur so often that it doesn’t phase us as much when our flags are flown at half-staff. Cultural demise continues to grow while people are grasping for avenues of inner peace from a variety of sources.

While writing this week’s devotionals, I was drawn to Proverbs 31 for a day where God gave me the instruction to laugh again! I prayed, But Lord, how can I laugh at the days to come in this world and through my own personal trials?

Then I recalled a recent moment while in the checkout line at the grocery store when an elderly gentleman turned around and asked me a riddle. I was surprised at his candidness and probably did not readily respond with enthusiasm. But he kept on asking me riddles. Then, one made me laugh out loud! And it felt good. I realized at that moment that I hadn’t laughed in a long time—too long, in fact.

Personal peace, while living through storms, is what most of us want. The new year might bring your wish for improvement and positive change. My blueprint includes some goals—hopes of mastering better nutrition, accepting some things I cannot change; serving others with excellence; letting God fight battles that are not mine; replacing worry with creativity; choosing faith over fear; and laughing more often! 

Contemporary writer, Anne Lamott’s works are inspiring, wise, clever and very humorous at times. I recently read this quote which brought joy to my heart. 

 Laughter is carbonated holiness.

—Anne Lamott

Lord, I am grateful today that you created us not only with tears but laughter! May we walk through this new year and decade experiencing your joy, even in the hard times.

Jill Hendrix