Falling

​We snuggled together on the bed. Me on one outside edge, my husband on the other, and Sweet Pea in the middle. I had just finished talking and Sweet Pea now assumed the baton. Then…
     “Achoo!” Sweet Pea’s body shuddered with immense effort. “Achoo!” A sniff this time followed the sneeze, followed by another sniff.
     I reached for the tissue box on the nightstand. Already balanced sidewise on the mattress’s edge, I leaned back and reached…until in one slow motion, my body passed the point of equilibrium. With arms flailing, I toppled and fell…Right into the trash can! Thump!
     As I scrambled to my feet, peals of laughter greeted my ears. Sweet Pea wiggled and giggled. Her eyes crinkled. A huge grin split her face.
     “Are you okay, Mommy?” asked my husband. He struggled to keep a serious expression.
     “Yes,” I answered sheepishly. Then, He, too, burst into laughter. The two of them laughed until they cried. The bed shook as I stood there watching. But it was infectious. As I grabbed for the elusive tissue, a smile crept over my lips. And I, too, laughed.
     Shoving the tissue at Sweet Pea, I climbed back onto the mattress. I grinned. “Did I look funny?”
     Sweet Pea nodded, unable to speak as she giggled. Laughter filled the room. Peace settled deep. We gasped for breath and breathed deep.
     “Thank you for making me laugh,” Sweet Pea smile at me. She tilted her head up. “And thank You, God, for letting us laugh together as a family.”
     Every family undergoes trial and hardship. Some seasons are more challenging than others. Yet, in these difficult times, God can meet us where we are. He can bless us with the oil of joy in our mourning and times of despair. He can infiltrate our breaths with hope. And He can meet us where we are at with exactly what we need exactly when we need it most. He is our daily manna and everyday portion.
    Our family has been undergoing a difficult trial. But despite the dark days, God has met and strengthened me when I did not think I could continue. He has brought the unexpected gift of laughter and joy in the most unexpected times. Like falling out of a bed. Or a husband who falls asleep mid-conversation or sharing special hugs. And running barefoot in the rain with my daughter.
     God is not only with us, dear parents, but He is for us. His love uplifts us and He will never let us go. Look for opportunities for joy and laughter. Exploit every opportunity for praise and thanksgiving. And share in these precious times together as a family. For joy binds us together and is our strength.
Laugh and be blessed this day.