Joy!

I love to laugh.  It hasn’t always been welcoming, though.  I remember someone saying to me, “We can hear you laughing all the way across the restaurant, Tammie!”  I do laugh big and loud, too.  It has just always been a part of who I am.

Growing up, I was always with my three fun cousins who constantly made me laugh. I had incredible friends who entertained me in class. Occasionally, I found a reason to giggle during church.  My precious dad had a great sense of humor.   Of course, my comedic brother and I were blessed with Dad’s humor and passed it on to our kids, who are absolutely hilarious.  We have laughed until we couldn’t breathe.  Have you experienced that?  It’s the best.  I am grateful to have a husband who loves my laugh and keeps me laughing, too.

 

I like funny people – people who have an amusing talent to them.  My best friend has this.  We met at work over thirty years ago.  Our connection came when we realized we were laughing at the same things.  Did we have to have a conversation about not laughing so much at work?  Yes, we did – and we found a way to be professional, as well as, find a moment to share a laugh or two.  I am so thankful that we continue our connection and our laughter to this day.

 

One question I used to ask my sons when they got home from school was, “Did you laugh today?”  It was important to me that they learned – yes – but that they had time for humor, too.  The Bible even references a joyful heart as being “good medicine” in Proverbs 17:22.

 

I remember hearing someone say, “What someone thinks of you is not your business.”  That did not resonate with me.  I couldn’t reconcile in my mind why it wouldn’t be my business.  I have a favorite quote framed in my study that I read often:

 

“You are writing a gospel.

A chapter each day.

By deeds that you do,

By words that you say.

Men read what you write.

Whether faithless or true.

Say!  What is the gospel,

According to you?”

~Author Unknown

 

A custom my family and I have had since my sons could write is homemade cards.  We do this at Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day rather than buy a card.  This is one of my favorite traditions with my kids.  I have their cards for me for various reasons from every year, and I wholeheartedly treasure them.  The different sentiments they have shared with me along the way are priceless to me. 

 

One compliment that stands out to me and is consistent with both of my sons through the years is the word “joy.”  When writing their cards to me, they always tell me how they enjoy my laugh and joy.  I hold this close to my heart and pray that in that joy, they feel the love I have for each of them, my daughter-in-love, their dad, and our amazing God.  I have pondered …is this the “gospel” I write each day?

 

It has been apparent that my laughter has annoyed more than one along my path.  I finally gained some understanding of that statement I referenced regarding someone’s opinion of me not being my business.  The realization set in when my sons put in writing that they noticed joy in my life and appreciated it.  Furthermore, it became clear to me that joy is a Fruit of the Spirit.

 

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 

Maybe my laugh has been and is bothersome to some people – but guess what, Jesus irritated humans, too.  It is not an intentional thing – even more, it is not my business.

 

Should you also be blessed with the gift of giggling, the legacy of laughter, the gem of joy – I encourage you to carry on, friend!  God created you for a reason. Remember, the Fruit of the Spirit is …joy.  Reflecting our Savior is the best “gospel” we could write for our kids, our family, our friends – and, yes, even our foes.

 

If you find yourself laughing so hard that you cannot breathe, chances are I am right there with you.  I love to laugh and laugh a lot!  Joy …let it be a part of you and a part of your testimony.  For those that oppose – it is not our business; we can only pray for them.

 

Keep that joy in your heart and laugh big, dear Reader …I know I will.  Keep smiling!  Jesus is your joy and, oh, He loves you so!