God's Sense of Humor

It's been a harsh couple of weeks. Truly, I have determined that God must have a sense of humor. He (or if you believe she) has been witness to some awesomely inspiring and equally devastatingly tragic moments as well. But, here's the deal: I have no control. You can call me at three in the morning...I can't pray your tragedy away. I can't heal your pain. My heart will break with yours and there is nothing I can do about it. But, I will love you through your pain. I will cry with you. I will shed tears of pain and suffering. However...wait for it...I will shout screams of joy and high five you from unimaginable distances when anything merits even the slightest celebration. I will bring you chocolate (or lemon bars) when you need cheering up. I will sing "Soft Kitty" or "Please Don't Go" just because you will laugh. I will share my cupcakes or adult beverage with you whether it is because we are celebrating your new ----------(job, car, birthday, or "whew, you dodged a bullet moment), or that you need a simple distraction from whatever pain, hurt, anger, insert unfair nonsense moment.

I will get mad with you. When God says "Psych"...what you thought was good, really, really, really...in fact, you do not. Your health...oops, my bad. Your job? Hey, they are going to eliminate your position. That school you wanted to get into...they aren't that into you. But, I will also breathe a sigh of relief with you when you find out that what you thought was tragic and terminal (literally or figuratively) isn't. I will jump up and down when we are broke and find some vintage, can't live without, piece of something or other for 99 cents at the "Thrift Shop". I will celebrate your accidental pregnancy when you can't. Because, I was "gifted" with many accidental blessings. I will love you amidst your awesome mistakes. I will see how cool your new "choices" are in this "Choose Your Own Adventure" book of life that we are living.

But...God...Hey are your listening (God that is)? It's hard. It's hard to feel. It's so heavy. It's so difficult to really "feel" the struggles of others. In fact, joy is sometimes as arduous. I mean with so much pain and suffering...How does one celebrate? How do we celebrate a bite of heaven, a sip of Pepsi in a sea of Southern Coke, a new pair of shoes, a compliment, a good morning with the kids...how do we celebrate these "little" nothing of moments when there is hunger, injustice, death, destruction, backaches, racism, and broken hearts? We do it because without those tiny..."Hey, that construction worker winked at me" moments...the pain would be to much. Our "to do", "fix the world" list would be far too daunting. So...those joy filled moments allow us to breathe and gather our wits. That giggle...or laugh until the tears come moment, pokes just enough holes in the dark for us to just "keep swimming". 

So, I will trust God to know when I have had enough. I will trust him (or her) to inspire me with a silly joke that my friend needs or a song that will make him laugh. I will trust that God will say..."OK, it's not that bad...I was kidding. Your mom's O.K. I know your cup is full."

I will also point out that I don't think the joke is funny!!! Maybe I will get it next time. But, today...not funny and I am pissed.