Friday, February 3, 2012

Dear God,

Rolling in laughter with grandchildren has to be one of my all-time favorite things!  A few years ago on a mild, rainy July 4 night I began weaving a silly story for my grandchildren who were getting bored sitting in the car waiting for the dark clouds to pass so we could watch the July 4th fireworks.  Sally with the Limp, Dr. Bo, the queen and her two bored princesses and Sally's sweet mom were born.  Since that time the characters have increased and shared more funny experiences.  My grandchildren still beg to hear more.

This last Monday night I stayed overnight with my grandchildren so I could be with them while my grandson had minor surgery early the next morning.  I told Gabrielle, 11, that a great tragedy had occurred when Sally's husband had eaten too many twinkies and had exploded leaving eaten twinkies all over the dining room walls.  After a proper grieving period Sally went on a cruise and there met and married Prince Luffapump Faucet.  The prince adopted Sally's boys naming them Red Faucet and Sted Faucet.  My granddaughter and I imagined later children being named Lee Key Faucet, Drip Ping Faucet, and Rusty Faucet.  Well, we rolled in laughter until nearly midnight on a school night.  When she got up just a few hours later to get ready for school she was still laughing.

I tell you all this, dear God, because the ability to imagine, create, and laugh comes from you.  I am sure of it.  Allowing our minds to wander, to imagine and create funny stories has to be a healthy exercise.  While we are very mindful of never making fun of real people or wounding anyone with nasty comments, our characters are simply crazy characters who do very funny things.  Leading my grandchildren to laugh instead of worry about their brother was nothing less than a gift from you.

Ever-Caring God,
thank you
for the opportunity
to release
worry and anxiety.
Thank you
for joy
that comes
from taking
one of
your many gifts
and allowing it
to fill us
with your peace.
You really are
a compassionate
and loving God.

Always, Andrea