Craig Clouston

Made for Laughter

A cheerful heart is good medicine.
Proverbs 17:22

Nancy and Craig constantly looked for little ways to make each other laugh and enrich their marriage. This particular morning found Nancy headed out the door for the day as Craig was finishing breakfast. They never parted company without a what-if kiss: What if something terrible happens and we do not see each other again? So, getting up from the table, Craig joined his beloved at their favorite spot: the doorway between the dining room and kitchen. Nancy stood on the step above the threshold, Craig on the kitchen floor, several inches below her. This offset their height difference, making for the perfect fit.
As they embraced and kissed, a mischievous thought came unbidden to Craig. Not given time to brush his teeth prior to Nancy’s heading out the door, he realized, with increasing amusement, here was a moment given by God! Leaning back while still holding her around the waist, he looked into Nancy’s eyes and said, “I guess this makes me a cereal kisser!” Spontaneous laughter with a twinkle in their eyes gave testimony to the love they shared. These precious moments given of God deepened their relationship with each other and God.

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We were created with an expressive nature, and it testifies to what’s going on in our heart.
Many of us suffer from heavily burdened hearts, rarely displaying any sign of joy or happiness. God Himself desires to bring complete joy to our lives that we might recognize His nature and learn to emulate it.
It is my belief that we bring a smile to our Creator’s face when we laugh with abandon. One of my favorite paintings is of a head-thrown-back, all-teeth-showing, belly-laughing Jesus.
We weren’t created to walk around with a downcast countenance, showing everyone how miserable we are. We will find what we look for; joy is optional. Yes, there will be sorrow, but if we look for a light heart, we just might find one filled with laughter.

Prayer

“Help us look to create those seemingly insignificant moments in life, Lord. Teach us to laugh as You intended, to love each other passionately with fervor and great joy! In Jesus’ Name, amen.”