Learn to Laugh

Today was a long and frustrating day. There was so much to do and it seemed like I covered 100 miles in the car today! Everywhere we had to go was a hassle too, because you just can't get good service anywhere anymore. Needless to say, my mood was not the brightest at all times. I tried to be as easy going as I could make myself be, but there were times I just felt down right cranky!


In times past, that cranky mood would have escalated into my emotions raging out of control to the point that I would be snapping at everyone and feeling like I wanted to cry. But thankfully today's words from Jesus Calling kept coming back to the front of my mind. "Learn to laugh at yourself more freely." It made me realize how ridiculous we must look to others when we start getting emotionally wrecked when things aren't going smoothly. It doesn't do ourselves any good (it does harm in fact), and we just end up looking nasty and sour.

The devotional for today goes on to say, "Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places. Your laughter rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise... I delight in hearing my children laugh." WOW! I never thought like this before, that God actually enjoys to see us smile and enjoy our life. Now THAT brought a genuine smile to my face.

Sometimes, getting our emotions to line up with the truth we know is easier said than done. We know we should have joy no matter what our circumstances, but emotions can be like a wild beast! They can get out of control even when we know in our spirit we're heading for trouble if we don't keep them in check. I may not always feel like smiling, but I will try to keep remembering that God is waiting for my smiles and laughter to bring Him delight, and I certainly want to be bringing Him delight, don't I! :-)

I know I really need to learn how to smile more, because I tend to be a little too serious. It's just that there are so many responsibilities on my shoulders and I get caught up in thinking on them too much. Again, I am reminded by that still, small voice... Cast your cares upon me, because I can handle them. Have I ever let you down?

My Lord is the absolute BEST! Just one little whisper from Him can launch me back up to cloud nine again! And just what was I so concerned about anyway? Oh, who cares... it's all under control.