Mom, Courtney and I had fun putting on masks one morning while home in Minnesota over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Mom got a kick out of the masks, so I thought I would facetime with her this morning while wearing my mask. Nothing like a good laugh after she had an 'off' day yesterday!
My morning devo fit right in line with our giggles this morning...
B. Manning writes:
THE LAW OF LEVITY
Christmas is a vision that enables the Christian to see beyond the tragic in his life. It is a reminder that he NEEDS the laughter of God to prevent him from taking the world too seriously. The Christian law of levity says that whatever falls into the earth will rise again. Christian laughter is the echo of Christmas joy in us.
If you really accept the mystery of Bethlehem, “glad tidings of great joy,” your heart will be filled with the laughter of the Father. “You are sad now but I shall see you again, and your hearts will be full of joy, and that joy no one shall take from you” (John 16:22).
“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.” – Luke 6:23.
Manning’s thought this morning reminded me of a sermon a few weeks back on JOY. Pastor Bob explained the difference between JOY and happiness. Happiness comes from something HAPPENing, which is directly related to circumstance. Joy comes from the Greek word chara, which is derived from the same root charis; meaning GRACE. Joy is the fruit of the spirit inside each one of us who believe! It is a gift and it is NOT dependent on circumstance.
This reminder of TRUE JOY is very comforting as we work through Mom’s recovery and her frustration. I am reminded that as a result of something happening (Mom’s stroke) it is okay for her to be sad or frustrated with her lack of communication, but we can all still access JOY!
CONVERSATION AT CHRISTMAS – DAY #4 PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for creating JOY! I appreciate being reminded that joy is us and not even the greatest storms of life can take it away. I also thank you for allowing Mom to laugh through her frustrations. I pray that she is able to continue to access that joy as some days the words flow more easily than others!
We continue to ask for the healing of her mind, both the aphasia and apraxia. We praise you Lord for hearing our prayers and meeting us right where we are at.
Amen.
Where have you seen God’s grace in your life today?