Today I Will Laugh
November 14th, 2009Saturday’s Reflection
O LORD, I feel your presence in the sweet fragrance of laughter.
Gentle laughter that makes old eyes sparkle again.
When I am down, its infectious sound lifts me up.
Thank you for laughter that smooths the sharp rocks of life.
Today I will laugh with unrestrained joy!
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee!
- Missy Buchanan
Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body
From p. 53 of Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body by Missy Buchanan. Copyright © 2008 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Tell us about a time when you have felt like today’s author. Share your struggles and your hope.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God.”
- 1 Samuel 2:1, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for public servants and veterans. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Praying with Eyes Open. Many of us were taught to close our eyes when we pray. Praying with icons is an ancient prayer practice that involves keeping our eyes wide open, taking into our heart what the image visually communicates. Try praying with icons.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Lucretia Mott (November 11 ).
- Lectionary Readings:
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November 14th, 2009 at 5:01 am
My dear friend’s laughter is so infectious and unique. Just reading this passage this morning – my thoughts went immediately to the sound of it – and a smile rose to my face. Sometimes I just long to hear her “chuckle” – as she would say. And of course, that isn’t something that can be forced. When it is deep and rich – it is good. Hoping to spend time with her today – and spontaneously enjoy those moments.
November 14th, 2009 at 6:29 am
We all need a friend with that laugh. I am told it is often me.
My friend with that laugh is a child. The beautiful waterfall giggles of a child enraptured by the beauty of something we see as insignificant– if we see it at all– cannot be topped. I cannot help but join in when a child begins to laugh. Let the endorphins flow, free and unhindered!
November 14th, 2009 at 7:07 am
I long for the laughter of joy and innocence. At times, it seems there is no laughter here.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:08 am
My mom, who passed a year and a half ago, had the best laugh. I miss her laugh more than I can say. My husband heard me laugh out loud the other day and said, “wow, your laugh sounded just like your mom’s”. My sons and my dad have told me the same.
I guess that’s just one more thing that she gave me.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Rosemary, praying laughter for you today.
I had this moment last month when our girl turned 20. We had all the family together, which is rare, and we went to her favorite place, one of those Japanese steakhouses where the chef cooks everything on the big grill table and puts on a big of a show.
At some point, the entire table was laughing together at something that had happened, and I was suddenly filled with such a sense of joy and gratitude to God for the blessing of that moment.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Sorry–*bit* of a show.
Sure wish I had a way to go back in and edit myself when my proofreader takes the day off.
=D
November 14th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
i have to search for laughter because I am very sad and hurt. I pray, dear God, that you will allow me to feel better and hear laughter again.
November 14th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Oh Elizabeth, I pray that you not only hear laughter today but you also laugh.
It does seem that for many there is less laughter now. This was brought to my attention when a friend and I were laughing (as we usually do when together) and a lady came to our table to thank us for our laughter because it had been a long time since she had heard such happiness. A sad commentary for this world.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I needed to be reminded of this today. Laughter usually sustains me when I am facing pain, but I forgotten to laugh and let depression slip into my heart. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me to laugh and for reminding me that You are there guiding my life even in times of pain. To all of you, laugh and feel the hand of the Lord in your heart.