Like the singing birds or bubbling brooks, it is spontaneous and unhindered by shame. The weightless flight of a butterfly and a baby’s carefree laugh display its freedom from pressure. Loose yourself in it like a little girl dancing in fields of summer wildflowers. The shadows in doubt’s forest will not overcome the sunshine of your smile. Let yourself be taken away by it, as a dandelion flying in the wind. That wind is God’s Spirit, and the joy He gives is a gift. When He gives it to the weary soul, it is like the sweet juice of apples. When you’re weary, dive into it like a mountain stream on a hot day. Let it fall on your face like a summer’s rain. God gives it to be your strength in life. When you are sad, trust in joy. God is faithful that in your gloom, He will smile. And with a “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and a deep belly laugh, Jesus will put joy in your heart. So laugh on occasion like no one is watching. Sing with a heart set free. And smile as one in love.
September 18, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Wow, this makes me feel like I can breathe. I know I treasure the times when I step out of the box of who I always am and really enjoy my life, my friends, myself. I love my moods when I get tickled about silly things and my friends act with shock and concern because I laugh so hard. My most favorite times of laughing are in the Spirit. When the surpassing joy of the presence of God descends with such power, and I am lost in it. Whether it is for a moment, or whether it lasts for memory-making couple of hours, it is wonderful!