Laughter in the Walls

Through out the changing seasons of life, I believe that laughter is the one emotion that you can't live without.

Children are born to parents. Parents nurture and care for their children; something that changes in method, over time, but the message never changes; "I love you for who you are."

Remember the cases of "spilled milk?" Our parental reaction may not have been the best at the time, but through the course of daily living with children, then adolescents, and onto young adults, parents mellow. They realize that somewhere between the disappointments of life and the triumphs of life; laughter serves as a healer, a stress reliever, a "don't-take-things-so-seriously-enjoy-the-moment-because-it-may-never-come-again" feeling.

Laughter ties a family unit together with an unseen thread of belonging. Shared experiences, funny photos, jokes told; all of these are parts of the weaving process of a family tapestry.

Today, I was able to share laughter with my parents as we recalled previous generations. The way they did business, the way they did chores, the way they did life. We weren't laughing at them, but maybe more at ourselves as we identified with parts of their experiences. A sense of warmth, comfort and belonging came over me.

Then later, this evening, laughing with my children over some of the antics they pulled, silly things like dressing the dog in boxers and a t-shirt. All of the memories lead to one thing...gratefulness for a full life of love and laughter.

Thank you God for creating laughter. Help me to be quick to laugh and love, and slow to be critical and angry. Sharpen my ears to hear the laughter in the walls of our home from days gone by, and to cherish the thoughts and memories as one of my most precious possessions.

"God has brought me laughter...." Gen 21:6

Hello Good-bye

Today, Jerry and I leave our home and drive to Arizona to say our official good-byes to our son before he is deployed overseas. We are so thankful for the opportunity to get to do this, since we know that it is not always so. How many parents have had to say good-bye via a letter or phone call? Now days, it is so nice to have technology to be able to "keep-in-touch". We are comforted knowing that he is in God's care no matter if he is state side or around the world.

We consider ourselves to be rich in relationships! We always seem to have just enough $$ to get by, but our relationships...well in that we are honored to be so "wealthy".

Time is a gift. One we unwrap everyday. How will we spend this day? Time with our loved ones is one of our highest priorities. May we enjoy our gift of time to it's fullest.

It may be a little while before I can write again...one never knows with the emotions of a mother and how fragile or strong they may be at any given moment. For now, let me just say that I am blessed that YOU are traveling this journey with me. Thank you for your love and support!
Blessings~~