Don't forget to laugh

       Laughter is a gift.  A beautiful, shiny, soul-reviving, heart-filling, gaze-lifting gift.  And don't we all need that lift of laughter on the days right after Christmas?  These days can be such a let-down after all the excitement, happy gathering of family, and crazy wonder of the season.  I'm looking around at boxes, crumpled paper, candy wrappers, scattered gift cards, and tired looking decorations...all while preparing to say goodbye to the joy of having all our children home for "one shining moment."
       Yep, if you're anything like me, you're feeling weary, worn, and a bit off key, so it's good to remember that laughter is definitely a gracious and desperately needed gift from God.
       So rather than tackling the tree or the laundry or the boxes,  I'm pondering--what was that first laugh like?
       Did it shock Adam and Eve when suddenly a chuckle bubbled up from their diaphragm?
       And don't you wonder when it happened, that first guffaw?  Could it have been Adam and Eve's first stunned and happy glimpse of a giraffe?  Or maybe a lumbering bear...or a lovely leaping deer.  Was it after some affectionately teasing comment from Eve?  Or maybe it burst forth from awed and worshipful hearts after viewing the luminous colors of a sunrise.
       Whatever the source of laughter, what a gigantic, glorious gift.  Yes, life can be hard, but oh my, can't it also be so funny?  If you need some kind of prompt, watch a dog for a new minutes.  Or a toddler.  Or the birds flitting and fussing at a bird feeder.  Or recall some silly moment from your family.  We all have them--those moments of hilarity that puncture life's monotony or difficulty like a needle popping an overinflated balloon.
       So as we prepare to put away Christmas for yet another year, I couldn't help but think back to a few of those happy moments...and there's one in particular involving our neighbor's blow-up Santa Claus and our silly dog that makes me chuckle every time we drive by their yard.  Let me explain.
       Back at the beginning of December, Mr. Bingley glimpsed Santa for the first time...and pandemonium ensued.  He jumped back in terror and then began darting back and forth while wildly barking as if confronting a savage beast.  Who knew Santa could be so evil and threatening?

 (Yeah, sure, he looks friendly enough in that bright red suit, but looks are clearly deceiving.  Bingley's figured him out and was determined to warn the world.  We were worried Santa woud take great offense at this treatment and thus would refuse to bring that rainbow trout chew toy Mr. B had been begging for.  Do labs eat coal?  Fortunately, Santa displayed great grace this Christmas.)

       Know what?  Sometimes we just might need to stop taking ourselves so seriously.  Isn't it funny (excuse the pun) how quickly we can lose our sense of humor, our wonder, and our light-hearted joy, especially during this busy, sometimes overwhelming season of the year?  That is so, so wrong!  Forgive us, Father.
       Let's determine to replace all that soul-crushing worry with wonder, with worship, and, dare I say it, with some laughter.  The world won't end if you don't get an A on that exam.  The planets won't spin out of orbit if you don't get everything accomplished on your to-do list. The stars won't stop shining if your child takes a wrong turn or two in life or suffers a setback.  And God won't stop adoring you if you mess up or miss that appointment.
      Nope, God's got this.  He gives strength to the weary, hope to the worried, and infinite grace to the worn and weak.  Slow down and savor the gifts God has showered upon you.  The smells of pine trees, hot coffee, and baking bread.  The colors of Christmas still sparkling on houses and trees.  The sounds of singing birds, giggling children, and loved ones' voices.  The comforting feel of warm wool sweaters, strong hugs, and roasting fires.  The fun of board games, ball games, and beloved movies.  The joy of shared jokes and funny memories.  So much to savor and enjoy.  So much cause for laughter.  And so much for which to be grateful to the Giver of all good gifts.
      G.K. Chesterton once quipped, "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly."
      Maybe it's time we do the same.  Let go of the punishing weight of bitterness.  Consider how infinitely much you've been forgiven by the sinless Savior...and freely forgive.  Let go of worry--it's nothing but wasted energy.  Breathe deep into faith and grace.  God's got this.  God's  got you.  God's got them.  God's got it all.
      So trust...and savor...and worship...and laugh.  Forgive as freely as You've been forgiven by the Savior.  Pause and praise.  Remember Who's really in complete control and relax.  Let go and laugh.
      Emmanuel is here--God with us--and He will never, ever leave you nor forsake you. Since He's here, we can lighten up and live this day with love and laughter.
      To God be the glory.