Unabated Laughter

My husband shared the greatest video clip with me yesterday. In the video, the father, who is a pilot, is taking his four-year-old daughter on a joy ride in his airplane. He does all kinds of tricks and spins… turning the plane upside down over and over again. Unaware and unfazed by this unnatural state, the daughter squeals with laughter. She has no concern for her safety or the danger that could befall. She has placed all her trust in someone who has never let her down. Her dad is adept, capable and loves her intensely. He would never put her in harm’s way. He has strapped her into this adventure so she can experience joy. He is completely in control and worthy of her complete trust.

Summer is winding down and I am reminded today that as much as I say that I trust my Heavenly father and trust his plan, my days have not been filled with laughter. This summer, He has strapped me in for the adventure of sending a second child off to college, along with a few more upside down and discombobulating twists and turns. In truth, there have been more tears than belly laughs. I have wanted to hold on so tightly to the easy things. I love being in control. I love managing and a world set at 70 degrees with healthy food, mindless entertainment and comfortable kids surrounded by pretty things. I don’t love leaving the oasis of impassivity, but I don’t think any of us are called to camp out there.

I believe we are called to prize the light of our savior’s smile… to implore the joy of our salvation…. to seek first the kingdom things, and find heaven in the trustworthy triune God. Loving Him, following His example, and being tuned into the voice of His spirit is an adventure. It is upside down from what the world tells us to pursue. It can be discombobulating if we focus on the ever-changing landscape, but it is a guarantee that our Heavenly Father will NOT let us down. He has fashioned this adventure and fashioned us for it. He loves us so very much with a perfect and trustworthy love. There is no reason to fear this season. He will fill us with joy and celebrate with us as the unabated belly laughs flow unstoppable from his cherished children.

“Trust and Obey…for there’s no other way… to be happy in Jesus… than to trust and obey” (old camp song)

“You will keep in perfect peace

all who trust in you,

all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,

and this is what he requires of you:

to do what is right, to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NLT)

 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (ESV)