Laughing Medicine

Kids are an interesting group. One minute laughing. The next crying. Then there's the moment of defiance...which, in order to keep your sanity, requires more laughing.

Such was the case two nights ago. The kids had their moments throughout the day, but just before bedtime, tickle-fest was in order. My youngest has the greatest giggle in the world. Truly, affordable health care that works. And it required no waiting on the doctor or filling out forms.

I always wonder how kids and youth pastors pull it off. Dealing with their own kids one moment, then the churches the next. Laughing. Crying. Defiance. Repeat. Sleep. Day two. I appreciate their investment. I applaud their faithfulness. I admire their patience. Then I wonder where I'm falling short in my own life. I know pastors don't have it together and so do they. Yet, the expectation is that they do or that they should. That's what the enemy will use against them to frustrate their efforts, whether in their own home or in God's house.

Pray for incredible moments of joy and laughter in the lives of kids and youth pastors. Pray for a peace about their lives, in moments of sadness and sorrow, drama as well as defiance. Pray for insight and creativity, to pursue moments the their family as well as their ministry will remember and cherish. Pray that smiles and laughter would greatly outnumber the moments of sadness...that in times of difficulty, may kids and youth have a firm foundation, knowing that laughter does indeed, do good like medicine; that the joy of the Lord is and will remain their strength.

-PNC

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