Friends called from Kentucky this past week to ask how we were doing in the aftermath of Monday's earthquake. With typical sarcasm that I have come to expect from these good friends, they said to me, "We were just wondering if your hair moved at all during the earthquake." "Yes," I told them. "The part moved from the left side to the right." Laughter is good medicine in the midst of life's challenges. Between the earthquake behind us and hurricane Irene now bearing down on us, one might argue that these events were and are certainly no laughing matter. And yet, there is a perspective we keep in the midst of the unexpected trials of life that helps us move forward when it would be much easier to give in to our fears.
Laughter is good medicine, but on its own, falls a bit flat when the skies darken, the ground shakes, and the winds begin to howl. Nineteenth century American preacher, Henry Ward Beecher, once wrote, "Mirth is God's medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it." Earthquakes and hurricanes are certainly not funny, and yet, to recognize them as events we will endure in this life with God's help, gives us a different perspective. Today's New International Version translates the reassuring text of Psalm 23:4 in this way; "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..." God's presence enables a perspective of strength, comfort, and assurance so that we face life's uncertainties with a different outlook. And so, we hear again the admonition of scripture as quoted in these notes last week, as Jesus assures his disciples, "Be of good cheer..."
Here is the disclaimer for this post. Do not go out into the tropical force winds Saturday evening and laugh at the elements, but in that safe place in your home or with friends, deep within, be of good cheer, for God will be with you.
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