The Bible tells us there is a time to laugh and that a merry heart is good for us. I believe that truth and act accordingly by laughing a lot. But I must admit that much of my merriment comes from laughing at myself.
I am accustomed to speaking and even praying in front of large crowds. It doesn’t bother me a bit. But I am just not comfortable with asking the blessing before a meal in a small group. I know that seems crazy, but that’s just me.
Recently, Tim asked me to pray before our meal. It was just Tim, my mother, and myself at the table, but it unnerved me. I didn’t want to refuse to do it, so I said, “Let’s pray.”
Familiar beginning
We all bowed our heads, and I started off the way most people do.
“Father, we thank you for this food, and thank you for the hands that prepared it.”
That’s when I lost it because I was the one that had prepared it. It was my own hands I had just blessed. I got tickled and laughed aloud which threw me off track for the rest of the prayer.
I don’t even remember what I said next, but none of us will ever forget the ending!
I said, “In the name of Jesus, BYE-BYE!”
Yes, I really did. I laughed. Tim laughed. My mother laughed, and I believe with all my heart that God in heaven laughed with us.
I am so thankful for the gift of laughter. It really is good medicine.
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