The Funniest Evening

It was a recipe for pure stinkiness. Cheese pizza, cheesy fries, and an ice cream sandwich. You would have thought I had known better. But it had been a long week and it was an easy dinner. A movie and family time rewarded us. After it was finished, Sweet Pea brushed her teeth and jumped into bed.
     By the time I stepped into the room, my husband was curled beside our daughter. But a foul smell greeted my nostrils.
     “Sweet Pea!” I cried, covering my nose, “you stink!” Sweet Pea giggled. I fanned the air in front of me and grabbed for a pillow. Take cover                  was all I could think. But as the air cleared, only one logical option remained. Thwack! Pillow fight!   
     Sweet Pea screeched. My husband guffawed. We all dove for the remaining pillows. My husband pummeled me from the side. Sweet Pea ripped the pillow from my hands. And a wild pillow fight ensued until…The ceiling fan became an accidental casualty. A truce was called and the fan fixed.
     We all gasped for breath and settle into our nighttime routine. As we readied for prayer, somehow my husband’s stinky ensocked foot hovered beneath my nose.
     “Whew!” And then it hit me. How did my husband get his foot to my nose? He was laying parallel to me. Sweet Pea began laughing, having witnessed her father’s gymnastic feat.
     “I’m impressed I can still lift my leg above my hip,” bragged my husband, who demonstrated his pretzel prowess once more. Again, His smelly foot waved under my nose. I laughed and batted it away. But before I knew it, a smaller foot fluttered in front of me. Like father like daughter! As I smacked Sweet Pea’s foot away, another aroma filled the air.
     “Sweet Pea!” cried my husband. We all dove for cover as Sweet Pea laughed with delight. I would like to say our silly evening ended here, but more was to follow. Still holding Sweet Pea’s pillow in my arms, I deposited it on her mattress.
     “Mph!” Startled, I picked up the pillow. Once more, the noise followed.
     “Do you mind?” said a muffled voice beside me, “that pillow is in my face.” Startled, I froze. Smothering my husband had not been my aim. Then I shook with laughter.
     “I’m sorry your nose got in the way of the pillow,” I giggled, shifting the pillow away. Sweet Pea hooted. In response, my husband smacked me with a pillow.
     “Okay, okay,” I protested, “let’s get settled for bed.” But I could not resist. Sweet Pea lay snuggly beside me, a huge smile on her face. Before I knew it, my fingers took on a life of their own. Soon, they found themselves tickling Sweet Pea beneath her armpits. A loud squeal emanated from her small frame. Her eyes widened in surprise.
     “Mommy!” my husband remonstrated, but then he joined in the fun. A tickle fight of great proportions followed, of which I must confess, Mommy was not the winner. And Sweet Pea the victor.
     As we lay laughing beside one another. the oil of joy poured over us.
     “This was fun!” Chortled Sweet Pea. She wiggled with enthusiasm. Her little fingers reached out to tickle some more. Somehow we made it to prayers. Although, I must confess the time was more playful than reverent. Giggles and other tickles permeated our conversation with God. But God looks at the heart of his children and delights in their joyful communion. He is the giver of good things. And it is His Holy Spirit which gives joy. Our times with the Lord needs to be heartfelt and sincere. But it also should be filled with thanksgiving and praise. And believe me, our hearts overflowed with joy and thanksgiving on this funniest of evenings.
     So often times our days fly by with the dirge of everyday tasks. But take time to laugh and have fun as a family. Don’t let the mundane details overtake your heart and mind. It is my prayer that you will taste and see the Lord’s goodness this day. May He fill you with a peace which passes all understanding and a joy which overflows.