Holy Laughter

Sometimes in the middle of church life—with meetings, emails, text messages, learning new computer systems and the long to-do lists—I have to stop and remind myself to laugh. And not just a polite chuckle, but the kind of laughter that shakes your shoulders and leaves your face sore from smiling. That kind of laughter is holy!

This week I had one of those moments. It might’ve been the kids racing around during game night, or Lucy barking at me because (in her opinion) breakfast was far too late. Or maybe it was just a well-timed comment that hit right when I needed it most. But I laughed, and I thought: yes, this is a gift from God!

Scripture tells us there’s “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). We live that rhythm every day. Life is serious and hard at times, but woven right into it are these holy moments of joy and play.

I sometimes picture Jesus with the disciples—not just teaching or healing, but laughing together on those long dusty walks. They were friends, after all. They told stories, maybe teased each other, and found joy along the way. I think their laughter must have been one of the sounds of the Kingdom of God.

So here’s my invitation for you this week: let yourself have some fun. Tell a silly joke. Play a game. Dance in the kitchen. Let the kind of laughter that makes your belly hurt be part of your prayer life. Because I believe with all my heart—when we laugh, God is laughing right along with us.  See you Sunday!

Peace, Pastor Tracy