A Journal of Joy & Laughter

I was in Tulsa for the last couple of days to check in on Mom and my other besties. So my “sugar and spice and everything nice” awaited me.

When I arrived at Mom’s, Karen (my sis-in-law) and her home health nurse were with her and Mom was cringing as the nurse tended to some tender areas of pain. When the nurse finished, Mom’s wit and sense of humor kicked in. “Donna, I went to my podiatrist and he had to remove my big toe nail because of the infection under it. First, he deadened my toe, then he put a rubber ring on it to work on it, and I said, “Doc, are we engaged now?” LOL” We laughed at each other with our “toe” issues (my two broken toes, still on the mend) and her toe.

There is nothing like laughter that lifts the spirits and invites in joy. In the afternoon, Mom’s 4-year old great granddaughter came by. The minute she walked in the door, joy came in with that little cutie pie, making us laugh without even trying.

We made hairy play dough snakes with bows on! She has brought so much joy into Mom's world, who will celebrate her 95th birthday next month.

Then I made a quick stop-over to my BFF’s Mick & Sheila, whose 2 year old grandson was at their home – even more laughter and joy as that very talkative, energized and hilarious little guy stole the show.

AND, he loved helping me open my birthday gift and blow out my birthday cake!

To top my day off, I had precious time (and a yummy roast beef dinner) with my godson and his family. The day lit up for me when I heard incredible stories about my sweet godson and the health strides he is making. I gave them all treasures from my Holy Lands trip, and, with my Sea of Galiliee map, showed them where Jesus walked and performed so many miracles.

Nothing can give more joy than talking about our Lord.

Yesterday, Karen and I had some “sister” alone time for lunch. I know of no one that can compare with this gal who serves others so selflessly. Not only does she see after Mom on a daily basis, but she serves others with a heart of servitude that inspires me so much. We laughed. We cried. We both know the love of God so much that we just can’t help ourselves in returning that love in loving and serving others.

You’ve just read my joy-filled journal for the last two days. There was so much joy wrapped up in all of those little visits that I couldn’t help but share them with you.

Here’s what I’ve come to know and appreciate so much: “Good humor, laughter, kindness, and hearts of gratitude and thanksgiving are far too wonderful not to come straight from the heart of God.” That’s why I love making my little visits to those people who bring the heart of God into my life.

But, life isn't always “sugar and spice”. I found that out when I arrived back in Frisco. I needed to fill my car up when I made it back home because I’m headed to Austin. After trying 8 gas stations that were out of gas, I finally saw a 7-11 with a long line of cars at one entrance and just a few cars at the entrance that I was driving by. I pulled in and in a matter of 10 minutes, I was filling my car up. I think some of that “sugar and spice favor” was still on me. But while I was there, I witnessed frustrated drivers yelling at each other. A woman cut in line ahead of another car and a screaming match ensued that I could hardly believe. As I understand it, there really isn’t a shortage of gas, simply a delay getting the fuel to the stations, but fear and panic are gripping people’s lives who don’t know God's loving heart.

Proverbs 31:25 says about the virtuous woman, “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and SHE LAUGHS without fear of the future.” I sure want to be this woman. There is no need to fear when God is our Father. I love that “SHE LAUGHS”. And, in a day when there is so much doom and gloom all around, we can LAUGH and rejoice away the darkness as we let our little lights shine with the loving and tender heart of God! Maybe it would be a good idea to go hang out with some jolly, merry and happy souls that will fill up our joy tank today or maybe we could be THAT joy tank that fills others up with the joy of the Lord.