Skip to content

Building a Home – Learning to Laugh

2011 January 1
by Roberta B

When I was dating my future husband I took everything seriously.  Anything he did or said that wasn’t centered on me was the start of a fight.  I was convinced that he was out to hurt me.  One day I was particularly upset and couldn’t stop crying.  I was ready to end our relationship.  Rather than fight or cry, he did the most amazing thing.  He turned on a silly song, sat me on his lap, took my arms like a puppeteer and made me dance to the music.  In a matter of seconds we were both laughing so hard that we could barely breathe.  I knew then, that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.

We’ve been married now for 8 years and laughter is fundamental to our survival.  Every time our boys do or say something cute or funny the first thing I do is call my husband at work to tell him.  Those sweet little messages really help him get through the tough days.

Laughter also helps me from getting as frustrated at home.  One day last week I came into the dining room to find my three-year-old on the table throwing my glass ornaments across the room.  Just as I was about to spank him I see his little brother chewing on the characters from the nativity scene.  I heard myself say, “DON’T EAT BABY JESUS!”  That was one of those phrases that, even as a mother I never expected to say.  Suddenly, I wasn’t so angry.

Of course there are times when we need to be serious, but I find that I spend less time in worry and despair if I don’t take myself so seriously.  If we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness everything else will be taken care of.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

No comments yet

Comments are closed.