Journal Entry 5: Jesus Laughs
Jesus, if you’re not in it; I don’t want it.
Journal Entry 5: Jesus Laughs
I want to hear Jesus laugh. Not just hear but be with Jesus in some joining of friends where laughter and stories are being shared.
I was writing in my prayer journal this weekend, and I was speechless. I’ve stated my desires in my journal, fought with my weaknesses with Jesus, prayed thanks for a great deal in my life, and I just didn’t know what to write. When this happens, I recommend you not close up and move on, but take a moment and let your heart and mind think on Jesus. For me, so far, taking a silent moment to focus on Jesus leads me back to pen and paper and a deeper focus on my desire, Jesus. Some minutes later, a smile came on my face with a thought of amusement, and I wrote, ‘I want to hear you (Jesus) laugh.’
Being able to hear Jesus in joyful laughter sounds like a simple request, maybe a silly one. I imagine Jersus’ apostles got to hear him laugh often. I imagine they are still enjoying a laugh with him. Though it may be silly of me, maybe simple minded, I recognize that I want to be part of that group around Jesus sharing laughter. Recognizing this desire in me made me happy. Knowing that I want something as simple as to be with Jesus in good cheer is a wonderful desire to me. This desire isn’t greedy, there’s no material gain to it, there’s no selfish world desire. To hear Jesus laugh is simply a good desire. This made my morning; because, well, I’m a sinner saved. Sometimes I can’t trust my own desires, I can’t stop thinking selfishly. To be a sinner saved and to be given a simple but true desire brought a joyful peace on my heart that morning.
I have had many ideas of what heaven will be, but there’s no way for me to confirm any of my wild or simple imaginings. What I do know is that we get Jesus. Jesus will be our king, our friend, our brother in more than spirit but in flesh. When I first meet Jesus I’ll probably drop to my knees with tear filled eyes. Such a moment of too many extreme emotions will certainly bow me down. Then the moment I am told by our king, ‘welcome’ will probably be the moment tears of joy and astonishment flow freely. Then, after I am able to stand once more, I’ll get to share a good laugh with our King. I sure hope so.
The next moment, however time or lack of time works in heaven, I hope, will be moments of great cheer and laughter. Thinking about the moment we enter Heaven has me thinking of a good read a few years back. There’s a book, ‘I’ll Push You’ by Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray that is a good example of the struggles of our journey in this life and the moment of coming home (Heaven.) One friend, Patrick, takes up the journey across the 500-mile hike along the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage together with his wheelchair bound friend Justin. From the title you might imagine how this journey must be completed.
I don’t want to spoil the story. The short, non-spoiler version is that the journey was difficult and the end was to me a great representation of what it might be when we come home (Heaven.) I recommend the read and I think there’s a movie out as well. Me being a bookworm will always recommend the book first.
Back to laughter, laughter is a good thing. I don’t think too many would argue that fact. Before I close, I want to add that Jesus does laugh. Too many stiff-necked old textbooks and current people of faith lack the humorous side of Jesus. God, the creator of us all, has a sense of humor. God can laugh. Jesus does laugh. We are not the children of a bored God and King. We are children made with humor and the purpose of laughter designed in us. Don’t be ashamed of joyful laughter, and please, don’t think that being a ‘good’ Christian is to be straight lipped and stiff backed only living life as a good boy/girl. We are so much more, and we are meant to enjoy life and laughter together.