by Michelle Martin and Hope Komarynsky
Need a boat made? I Noah guy.
How did Joseph make his coffee? Hebrewed it.
What did Daniel tell his real estate agent? I’d like a house with no den, please.
Can you even imagine the laughter in heaven? I cannot wait to hear Jesus laugh! And, the Father’s?? My heart can almost burst with anticipation! Don’t you know He laughs even now at you and me, His children? How many times do WE crack up at our own children’s sweet misunderstandings or interpretations of this crazy life? And, how many more children does He have? Just a few….
Perhaps church bulletins are sometimes read to the angels for a heavy dose of angelic giggles. Belly laughs may even be heard with bloopers like these:
- “Next Thursday, there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.”
- “Ushers will swat the latecomers.”
- “The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.”
- “The associate minister unveiled the church’s new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: ‘I Upped My Pledge – Up Yours.'”
- “Diana and Don request your presents at their wedding.”
- “Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Nelson’s sermons.”
In His Gifts to Me, Marie Chapian personalized messages from God based on Scripture. She describes laughter as “the private language of heaven” and imagines the Father encouraging us with these words: “Gladness and laughter are not attained by eliminating pain and suffering. Joy is not an escape from sorrow, like a drug. Rather, My joy gives power to rise above sorrow in all situations.” Perhaps laughter is spiritual refreshment to carry us above the trials of life.
While it is good to anticipate the visions of heaven, reality is… we’re not there yet. As we venture through this broken world, we can hold on to Jesus’ words in John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” As Christians, WE are the ones who have authentic reasons to be filled with joy and laughter. After all, this world, with all it’s troubles and turmoil, is not our home! (Hebrews 13:14) I believe that laughter is a God-given gift…chimes of His joy throughout our lives!
Yep, it’s no question that laughter is a gift straight from the Father! Now, I challenge you to intentionally set time aside this week to show appreciation for the gift you’ve been given. So, pull out your favorite comedy, host a game night with friends, grab a joke book… and LAUGH! Or, just remember shared guffaws in your own “blooper history”! Delight in the “language of Heaven” with your gaze fixed on Him!
Click here to access a resource list for more information about the gift of laughter with ideas on how to incorporate laughter into your daily life!
