Monday, March 28, 2011

Dear God,

I have come to the realization that laughter is a gift from heaven. To smile, to get tickled, and to engage in gut-pulling, hysterical belly laughter not only fills the soul with joy but also cleanses from within. How can a person be mad when he or she is laughing? Sad, resentful? Not possible!

Our friends and we decided to get away for a couple of days at a southern Indiana state park. After our drive, a nap, dinner and talking around the table, we elected to watch one of our favorite shows. Made in 1979 The In-Laws is one of the funniest old movies. From the moment we turned it on one or all of us was laughing. We simply could not help ourselves. I laughed so hard that my voice was raspy from coughing in a bout of hysteria.

I believe that you generously equipped us with the ability to laugh. I am convinced that you made us with all the tools necessary to unclutter unwanted emotions that get stuck inside us for whatever reason. Laughter has the power to dislodge those powerful emotions that hold us captive denying us liberating freedom. I believe you want every one of your children to have a good, meaningful life although that may mean different things to different people depending upon many factors. I believe laughter is a tool to keep us healthy and whole.

When members of my father's family used to get together, we would laugh. We could find things to laugh about or create situations where we would laugh. Throughout the day together laughter could be heard in any room where family members were located. At day's end we could feel the effects of a fun, funny day with beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Laughter shared together, I believe, is a healing activity that comes straight from heaven.

Thank you,
O God,
for laughter
that converts
a sourpuss
into a
chessy cat.
Thank you
for healthy activities
that rob
the soul
of dark,
weighty hurts
that threaten
to cripple
a fragile soul.
Thank you
for joyous moments
that heal
and help,
restore and renew.
Thank you
for heavenly joy
that reminds us
that you are
the author
of all
that is good.
Thank you,
dearest God,
for such
wonderful love.

Always, Andrea