Keeping it Light

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed heart dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)

A sense of humor is just common sense dancing.
~~Clive James

Loyal, hardworking, perfectionist, extrovert, extremely conscientious, stubborn, fear of failure, strong sense of justice.

These are just some of the characteristics of first born children and while these traits are not set in stone, as I look in the mirror, I tend to recognize many of them in myself, a first born child. While many of these traits are admirable, I have noticed that sense of humor or the ability not to take life to seriously isn’t anywhere on the list.

Now I am not saying I have zero sense of humor, but keeping things light has always been an area that I had to work at.

It is amazing how God tends to put people in your life that tend to balance and challenge you. I believe God has a great sense of humor therefore he made sure the “love of my life” and husband of 27 years was a youngest child. Needless to say, my hubby has an “altered perspective” about what is really important in life. In fact, the things that really matter are on a short list, not at all like my long, extensive, excruciatingly painful Jenny list.

Youngest children, by definition are laid back, have a strong sense of belonging, and tend to have the ability to see the humor in most situations. While my husband has much compassion, he does not tend to over think a situation until his brain hurts. Sometimes it just “is what it is” and it is really OK not to have an answer.

This life view comes in real handy at times. I remember several years ago when we were attending my younger sisters wedding. My husband and I were driving my sister from the hotel where she would primp for the “big day”. As we drove to the stunning, Victorian home on the bay front in which the ceremony would be held, my sister saw that the guests were starting to arrive. She did not even have her wedding dress on. I myself had noticed the same thing and felt a bit of panic in my heart. Seeing that my sister was concerned, my husband smiled and said to her, “It’s not like they are going to start the ceremony without you.”  With that bit of wisdom, we all started laughing and immediately relaxed.

It is this perception that tends to keep me grounded and aware of what is really important in life, compared to chasing my tail and in a heated frenzy.

I love the word of God. It remains timeless throughout the ages and I can always find comfort and wisdom on about any area of my life.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. Job 8:21 (ESV)

There is a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:4 (ESV)

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving, joy to the heart. Psalm 19:8 (NIV)

Lord, you have said that there is time for weeping and mourning and a time for laughter and dance. I pray to you this day, that you will help this broken sister know how to stop worrying and obsessing about the little stuff. Lord, today I acknowledge that even my big stuff is all little stuff to you. All that feels or appears out of control, you have complete control of.  Clear the panic-stricken messages and “what ifs” in my mind and mend my anxious heart. This I pray in your Holy name, Amen