WE DIDN'T JUST PRAY together, my family laughed together—which is actually just another way of praying. Laughter became a part of our DNA, and so did laughter's sidekick, smiling. Both are signs of healthy people. We who laugh tend to be more "open," and I am attracted to people who laugh well. I neither boast nor apologize for living wide open. I was made that way. But, if I needed a directive to do so, it's found in Ecclesiastes.
There I discover, among other advice, that one of the most respectful ways I can thank God for creating me is to appreciate life, the warmth of the sun on my face, or a cool, gentle breeze, the companionship of friends and family He gave, and, yes, laugh so hard I can hardly breathe. He gave all this to me. What kind of person wouldn't say, "Thank you?" But I had to learn to love my life. I'm glad I was given a second chance.
Would you believe that, as an educated child of God, one who saw his awesome power work first-hand, given so many good things, that there was a time I raised my voice to Him naming the many ways I hated my life? Job losses and difficult money situations mixed with humiliating employment offers came back to back, and I saw no way out of my terrible situation. I criticized God. I spewed my vitriol for others to hear at times, including my family!
Looking back, I see that as bad as my behavior was, shameful indeed, God knew how to direct me. He never abandoned me, though sometimes I wondered. He had a plan for my wellbeing all along. He wanted me to be honest with Him. At least I did that.
Now it is my heart's desire that all my friends get an opportunity to consider the value of their lives. Even if it's a mess. Even if it hurts. He can discipline in a most uncomfortable way, and will . . . those whom He loves. He does not hold back and He does not hold out on us ever. He gives us only the very best. I will never be the same after tasting His amazing loving-kindness and compassion, though it took MANY years to turn things around. I'm so thankful!
I'm also deeply grateful for talented friends with whom I've shared a slice of life in music. I came across some lyrics associated with an old college buddy who has been writing Christian music for decades. This one was recorded by Amy Grant (Better Than A Hallelujah). It reminded me that God brought times of sorrow and grieving to me. I have wept with the deepest pain, unable to be consoled. Embarrassed that I had no self-control. And, as hard as it has been to accept, I believe it was always for my good—and therefore to be accepted with gratitude (found in the same book of Ecclesiastes).
As time goes on, I still talk honestly to God about my past and present miseries. With Joy. In addition, I cannot escape the memories of many flaws and regrets that I cannot go back and fix. Not wanting to be a whiner, I still sometimes try to cover what I’m really thinking with thanks for the good times. I've decided to stop that practice, though. It is always best to be completely truthful to the One who knows the truth anyway, right?
No matter what we may grieve about today, whether a country that continues to sink to what seems to be the lowest of low, the death of a precious loved one, or a life event we didn’t want but had to face, God can and will compose a sweet melody just for us, personally. Someone may think that statement is hyperbole or only wishful and in no way possible. Today I laugh harder and smile bigger than ever before. Remember, He told us that with Him, all things are possible! As time and chance happen to me, I believe...
“We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.”
©️Copyright 2020, revised 2022, Gary Landerfelt MyPericope.com
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