"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)

Yesterday I went shopping with the boys.  Normally this is an uneventful trip, but yesterday was different.  While driving, I heard Nathan in the backseat talking to himself.  I caught a few words of his monologue some of which were, "yesterday", "pee-pee", "poo-poo", "potty" and the most alarming word "dropped."

I calmly said, "Nathan, what are you saying?"  I think there’s a reason God gives children such sweet voices.  It keeps the parents focused on the adorableness of the child so as not the squeeze the little one to pieces at moments such as one I was about to have.

Nathan repeated his story in such a way that I received one piece of information at a time, which in retrospect may have been a smart move on his part. He very clearly said,

"Yesterday I go pee-pee and poo-poo in the potty aaaaaaaaannnnnddd......I.......drrroppppped your hair brush in the potty.”

I firmly gripped the steering wheel and calmly asked Nathan, "Honey, did you just say you dropped mommy's hairbrush in the potty yesterday?"  I have often prayed for God to reverse certain situations in my life, and I sensed this was going to be one of those times.

However, in an effort to comfort me Nathan said,

"Yes! BUT, I got it out and wiped it off on the pink towel you dry your face on."

I thanked Nathan for his honesty and assured him of my love no matter what.  I also tried desperately to convey the fact that these situations needed to be brought to mommy and daddy’s attention before we use the item that fell in the toilet.  He agreed with me and said,

"DAT is a veeeery good idea!"

We laugh a lot in our family.  Years later this story brings us to happy tears as we remember how I wrote this event in my journal and how I retold it to family and friends.

I have a joyful heart when I rest in the truth that God's Word promises that my cheerful heart will be like good medicine.

When I focus on the parts of my day that just don't go right, it's easy to get discouraged and have my heart get off track from God.   Focusing on cheerful, holy and righteous things of the Kingdom, my heart will be well medicated to face my day.

Father God, thank You for giving my family the gift of laughter.  You truly are fun and give us so much to be happy about.  I love that we can dwell in Your holiness, bask in Your perfection and still be lighthearted at times.  This world has so much darkness, heaviness and sin so help me to show others that You are the Light, Life and Hope that shines.  May others know that being a believer is not always so serious and grim, but that we have so much fun serving, worshiping and loving You.  Thank You for the gift of laughter that lightens our load and certainly does bring healing to our spirits.  Amen.