That’s what happens sometimes when we make plans – God laughs. It’s because He has something better in mind! He is not making fun of us; His perfect love could not possibly do that. He delights in us. God, personified in Jesus, certainly laughed because of the JOY! He knew. Consider those he hung out with. In the view of the religious scribes and Pharisees, consorting with “sinners” certainly was NOT something the Messiah, the Son of God, would do. At the dinner parties Jesus was invited to, I’m sure that the guests could be a rowdy bunch, with wine flowing freely.

Have you ever allowed yourself to be very loose and care-free? Initially, it might not seem very (ahem) Christ-like. As long as it’s not a frequent part of your life, it is certainly okay to occasionally engage in frivolity. You know, laughing so hard you can’t stand up or breathe. There isn’t a shred of evidence to suggest that life is serious. I get entrapped into thinking that as a pastor, I should be always serious, always “on my game”, concerned about being, well, less than perfect. Yes, I am judged by the content of my character. Even my opinions are subject to intense scrutiny. When I look back on my life, I know there were “God-winks”, where He was bemused by choices I made and the unexpected turns of my plans. Guess what? When I reflect back, I can honestly say I was never disappointed in God’s direction.

Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused. With all the delight and humor in Christ our Lord, we are loved unconditionally.

Pastor Art