WHAT DO FOLKS SEE

When they pull back the curtain...

Hello!

On this beautiful wintry January day, after hurdling through the joys of modern technology, I’m writing my first blog on Substack. Ta da! (That’s me shining a spotlight on my hubby, who is taking a bow!)

 I tend to see the humor in everyday life, and why not? After all, God must have a fantastic funny bone. And He created us with one too! I can picture Him laughing after my twentieth trip into the kitchen but still can’t remember why. Oh, don’t worry, I make good use of each trip—time for another cup of coffee.

To be perfectly honest, though the Reason for the Season burns brighter than ever, we’ve had a few bumps lately. Like Black Friday when our daughter-in-law fell and broke her leg in three places and the surgery that followed. Like my almost eight-week comedy of errors (and counting) to enroll in Social Security and Medicare. Like the sudden relocation of a dear writer friend who received his reward on Christmas Eve.

Remember what I said about humor? I believe God offers the best belly laughs at our lowest points because He does everything for our good and for His glory. (“At great cost to Himself, God offered His son so we can have eternal life.” Rom. 8:32)

We were enjoying time with our youngest granddaughter while her mom rested with her leg propped up. In a carpeted room, Avie got on a little bike we’d gotten her for Christmas and was going around on it when the bike and Avie suddenly keeled over.

Concerned she’d hurt herself, we rushed to her. Without a wail or a whimper, Avie hopped up, glared at the bike, and exclaimed, “Oh, wow!” My hubby and I stifled our laughter, but her expressive comment almost had us doubled over.

Our daughter-in-law sent us a photo today of Avie on the bike. Seems she’s made peace with the offensive ride, and neither of them are any worse for wear.

As Ecclesiastes says, there’s a time for everything. There’s a right time to cry and lament, and there’s also a time to laugh and rejoice. And the best of these times are when we lay everything at Jesus’ feet, praising and sharing our hearts with Him.

Nehemiah 8:10 says “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” In that same vein, a Sunday school song from long ago has a line that goes like this: “If you want joy, you must sing for it…”

When folks peek behind the curtain at us, what do they see? The Bible says that in this world we’ll have trouble!!!! (The exclamation marks are my emphasis, but I don’t think I’m alone.) There are days when, oh wow, is definitely warranted.

What joy to know we can leave everything at the foot of the cross. We can roll our burdens onto the One who is faithful, in control, and more than able to make straight our paths. Like a warm chocolate chip cookie on a winter’s day, let’s let His joy flood and inspire us, and encourage others too.

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