Laughter is Good Medicine!

“If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane.”  Robert Frost

“I don't trust anyone who doesn't laugh.” Maya Angelou

“Laughter is the sound of the soul dancing. My soul probably looks like Fred Astaire.”  Jarod Kintz

One of the main things that I remember about my PawPaw Boze (Roland Prestenbach, Maternal Grandfather) was his boisterous laugh.  You knew when he was in the room.  You knew when he was in the house.  You even knew when he was in the neighborhood.  And, it was infectuous. You could not help but smile and join in.  When it was all said and done, he made you feel better.  He made you feel like family.  He made you feel at home.  I miss those days.  Our family gatherings have never been the same.  There have been many times in my life since he went home with the Lord that I could have used that laugh.

Thankfully, God has brought people into my life to bring back some of the laughter.  I have been blessed to be a part of a family that has met for the past 8+ years on Thursday nights to play games, watch sports, just hang out and/or eat (usually "and").  These brothers and sisters all have recognizable voices and laughs.  And, you can here them in the room, in the house and in the neighborhood.  We laugh.  Pick on each other.  Laugh.  Pick on ourselves.  And, laugh some more.

I call this my "therapy night."  I need it more than these words can ever say.  I need them more than words can ever say.  These people I trust and love.  And, these people trust and love me.  What an amazing place to be when you can strip down all the walls and masks and just be yourself.  To be allowed the space and freedom to be in whatever mood and whatever state-of-mind without judgement is so unbelievably therapeutic.  After our Thursday nights, I always feel better, I always feel like family and I always feel at home.

The Lord truly uses these nights and these people to reenergize me.  He uses these nights and these people to teach me.  He uses these nights and these people to hug me.  He uses these nights and these people to sharpen me.  He uses these nights and these people to love me.

Now, we all have our faults and our issues.  And, there are very rare days we don't like each other.  But, they are perfect for me.  And, listen, nobody can take the place of my relationship with the Lord.  But, I am thankful He chooses to reveal a little of Himself to me during these nights and through these people.

So, thanks to David Kelly, Karen Kelly, Alan Mielke and Karen Mielke, my brothers and sisters.

I pray that you have a place and a family where you can laugh and be yourself.  If so, be thankful and let them know it.  If not, pray that He will bring the right people into your life.

Love ya!
Rodney