A Time to Laugh

There is a time for everything, and a

season for every activity under heaven:

A time to weep and a time to laugh.

                   Ecclesiastes 3:1,4  NIV

     One day, while having lunch with several co-workers in the cafeteria at work and just talking, relaxing and laughing, we each got our “giggle box” turned upside down. It was one of those times when everything said seemed funny. In the midst of our hilarity, someone stepped around the corner from another room. Smiling and walking over to us she said, “This is the table I want to join. It sounds like you are having a good time.” We were.  

     Recently, there had been a lot of weeping at work. A beloved friend and co-worker lost her five year battle with cancer. The last month of her life, an emotional roller coaster for those who knew and loved her, filled conversations with tension and thickened the air with grief. This was the first day that I had really laughed in several weeks. It felt good!    

     Through the laughter, God reminded me of the wisdom of King Solomon. There is a season for everything; a time to be born and die, to plant and pull up, to tear down and build and a time for grief and weeping. There is also a time to laugh; it was time!

     Solomon told us that a happy heart shows on the face. (Proverbs 15:1) Heart happiness, revealed in the words we speak, can only be found in knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

     Psalm 45:7 talks about being anointed with the “oil of joy”. I want that. Do you? Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope”. I want that. Do you? When I walk into a room, I want to spread joy, happiness, and hope. Do you? The words of Psalm 30:5 say, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (KJV) Do not forget that.       

     If you are presently overwhelmed with failure, betrayal, grief or sadness caused by the things life has thrown your way, call on your Heavenly Father.  Ask him to help you through this season of life. And remember, it is a season. Seasons change. Never forget that there will once again be a time to laugh!

 

©JP 2013