I decided that since I was alone, praying out loud was a good idea. A nice chat I was having with the Lord, when suddenly it came over me that yes, the Lord is here, in this workout room. I glanced at the treadmill beside mine, and was overcome with His presence, as if He were on it, exercising. I burst out laughing, thinking how Jesus would outrun me; He could turn the level to its highest and be light as a feather, not breaking a sweat, never getting tired. Not only did it overwhelm me, but it made me laugh. I imagined that treadmill zooming as fast as it would go, with Jesus on it, smiling and waving, because to His perfect body, it would be a cinch.
The things I was sharing with Him had been racing through my mind: a 24-year-old who is very sick and might not make it, strongholds to be broken, ungodly attitudes to confess, thanks for this special time, plus others that particularly burden me. I said, "Lord, what would you have me know right now?" and was hit again with the image of Him right beside me, running on air, while my 40-year-old body felt every movement my legs made. I burst out laughing, right out loud, and was comforted as with balm at the feeling that He, too, was laughing with me.
What a moment it was! My Savior, my Friend, right there with me, the two of us laughing together. I realized that it was a picture of truth: Jesus never tiring, doing what no human can do, and it brought immense peace. Getting tickled like that, by something the Lord was showing me, was also something I don't think I've ever experienced. I can't describe how good it felt to be laughing with Him, as if He had shown me something special and funny, a joke between the two of us. Still, He was glorified.
Nothing feels better than a belly-shaking, crying laugh. It's a gift from God, and as one of my heroes of the faith, Barbara Johnson, says, humor is everywhere. Laughing at what's funny doesn't mean we try to cover a problem or wear a mask. To me, it's seeing things, noticing silly little signs or cartoons, and photographing them to share. It's looking at an old joke book and delighting in corny jokes that no one gets anymore. Innuendo or off-color "humor" isn't funny to me; it's against God's design to make dirty what He made beautiful. There's pure joy and beauty in simple, innocent humor.
Speaking of Humor...
I had to snap a shot of these yesterday:
They are plain hilarious, and believe me, they smell just like what they are (except Snow; what is that supposed to smell like?). Maybe I'm behind the times, but I didn't realize the hip thing was to pay hard-earned cash to smell like a mixed drink, or...dirt! I can't believe single guys would line up to spray this on themselves. It gave me a huge laugh, especially the way the little cosmetics room smelled after I "tried out" each one in the air! Pee-you!
Here's a furry friend who brings us joy:
Nibbles likes to burrow between my side and my arm when the girls and I sit on the sofa and read. Guinea pigs are wonderful pets, and smarter than I ever imagined a rodent would be. She knows our schedule, and begs on cue when I either open the fridge or chop any food. She responds to her name, and purrs when we pet her. Gifts from God come in all forms, and it's interesting to note that everything that breathes requires love and care. Nibbles is a keeper.
Beautiful Bits...
This gal pops by the feeder for a morsel every now and then:
Have you ever attempted to photograph a female cardinal? I've tried for months, and this is the best I've gotten. Any slight movement from me, even behind the glass, causes these gals to dart away. Female cardinals look nothing like their red counterparts, and are extremely skittish. She makes a mess at the feeder, jerking her head wildly, and taking off quickly. Birds are fascinating and lovely gifts from God.
A distant relative in Summerhill, PA, shares my interest in genealogy. She discovered that our great-great-great grandfathers, Daniel (hers) and Peter (mine) Burtnett, were brothers. I had a chance to visit Peter's grave when I visited Summerhill back in April:
Imagine a man dying on his own birthday! Imagine making contact with a lady who is the descendant of his brother! Genealogy is a gift. It brings blood together, binds severed ties, and provides thrilling stories to boot! Anyway, my relative, who works at the library in Summerhill, has been faithful in researching family records and sending me fascinating information and photos.
Peter's son, W.K. Burtnett, was town supervisor in Summerhill for a number of years, and records abound. How wonderful to see facts in real life, written on pages over a hundred years ago, in breathtaking cursive. I loved seeing my great-great grandfather's signature:
To learn more about W.K. and other Burtnetts, please check out my other blog, Burtnett Family Stories, etc. The link is on the home page of this blog.
Finally, God places beautiful things everywhere just as a taste of heaven. In so many areas, we see Him at work, creating, growing, making things new. Maybe two months ago, I planted some small begonias. With rain falling every day lately, they seem to have doubled in size overnight:
For all our troubles and heartbreak, there is still joy and laughter to be found. In Job 8:21, we read, "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." If Job was promised this with all the tragedy he underwent, then surely it applies to all those who love the Lord. I love giving myself permission to go out and find things that are lovely or humorous, and to delight in them. It's fun and healing to thank God for them, and do something to remember them in some way: draw, photograph, or just close your eyes and record the memory in your mind. In doing this, not only do we glorify God and honor what He made wonderful, but we are able to share it with others, further glorifying Him and bringing encouragement and delight to those who need it.
Until next time!
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