Sometimes I think we take life too seriously. I know I do. I get caught up in the pressures of my to-do list or the decisions I need to make. I think “if I can just get this or that done then I can relax.” I always seem to be waiting for one more thing to be resolved before I can set it all aside and rest for a while.
Jesus had an incredibly intense life at times, yet he was able to get away from the crowds and the demands and rest. He was able to spend time just hanging out with the disciples. Do you suppose they sat around the fire in the evening and talked about life? Can you picture them telling stories about things that happened to each of them? How about a funny story from Peter about a mess he got himself into? And at the punch line did Jesus laugh? I bet he did. He was able to focus on enjoying the moments in His life that were special. He knew He had a lot of difficult things to deal with, but I don’t believe He constantly thought about those things. I think He allowed himself to love life with His friends.
We can always use the excuse that there are too many important things to attend to at the moment. We can convince ourselves that life it too difficult just now to be able to relax and just have a good laugh. We can tell ourselves that it would be irresponsible to set those challenges aside for a time to just enjoy the life God has given us. But if we do, we will miss some of the most treasured moments of life.
Everyone knows that the shortest verse in the Bible is “Jesus wept.” That verse shows that He had emotions like we do. He wanted to show us that we could have compassion on others. I think He also would tell us that it’s okay to enjoy life and talk and laugh together. I wish there was a verse that said, “Jesus laughed!” I believe He did and that He still does in Heaven. When I get there, I can’t wait to hear Jesus laugh. I’ll bet He has a great laugh!
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22(ESV)