Ecclesiastes 3.4a A time to weep and a time to laugh
We all know this verse is true, no matter what you believe. There is a time for everything. But sometimes, even when its time to cry and mourn, its also nice to laugh.
For those who don’t know me well, then you don’t know that my mother is currently in a wheelchair. She has struggled with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis since May 2008, which has resulted in multiple trips to the ICU and hospitals over the past years. (don’t click away yet…this is a happy story!) During one such stint, she was in a season of not being able to get out of bed which resulted in having to wear adult diapers. NOT the greatest time of her life, can we just say. It is very difficult to be an adult, fully aware and in control of your bowels, that has to pee in a diaper just because you can’t move your legs.I noticed the hospital diapers were all blue and had no pictures. I thought to myself, how lame. All the kids get fun diapers, with mickey mouse or cars racing around on them. why do we think the adult diapers have to be so lame?? (yes, i’m aware its a cost issue. still lame) So…I brought a package of markers to the hospital. And every time I changed mom’s diaper, I would draw a picture on it first!!! Pretty soon, the nurses wanted in on the action. They were drawing pictures too! Then the family started helping. We had a lot of artistic expressions happening. But one stands out more than others.
Some of us went for coffee and when we came back my dad has been the one to change mom’s diaper while we were gone. He had chosen, previously, not to participate in this “silly” activity, as my father is a more conservative, composed (country) gentlemen. However, for whatever reason on this day, he chose to play along. And in the utmost humorous fashion, he did what only a husband could do and get away with, he drew mom’s diaper with the male genitalia on it. Oh yes, we returned and found mom with a one eyed monster on her diaper. Really dad?!?! hahaha it was the most memorable, and humorous, of all the pictures ever drawn. And of course, this picture was mom’s all time favorite. …oh these kids, I tell ya, they crack me up!
This story illustrates how my family survived what was then, and continues to be, a difficult time. There is a time to cry and mourn. and be angry. and frustrated. but there is also a healing power to the laughter and the joy that can be created and shared in these most challenging moments. and hey, mom is no longer in diapers! Praise the Lord for little victories.
Proverbs 17.22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
Habakkuk 3.18 Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4.4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 4.7-8 You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.
uncaged lion 
We have come a long way baby. I appreciate you for the reminder and for God always helping us cope, day after day. Thank God that He has graciously given us more to be thankful for, including Sue for encouraging fun and laughter in our room always!!
I hope this quote will be encouraging. ‘Christianity does not provide the reason for each experience of pain, it provides deep resources for actually facing suffering with hope and courage rather than bitterness and despair.’ T. Keller
I love what pastor Tim had to say. His depth of thought is bottomless !!
-The Reason for God