“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.” Prov. 14:13

I love being around people who laugh regularly and robustly. When I’m around such people, I can’t help laughing myself. These people seem to be able to laugh in spite of the circumstances around them. In fact, many people who laugh easily have learned to do so in spite of and seldom because of anything.

On the other hand, many people are if only laughers. If only our finances were better; if only other people would treat me better; if only I had the same talent that other person has. If only people rarely laugh. In spite of people have learned to laugh regularly and heartily, even in the hardest of times. If they can’t laugh, they at least know how to smile.

Life effuses with sufficient joy killers that can rob us of life and the ability to laugh if we let them. Grief and heartache are frequent companions in life. Tragedy, like that in Colorado this summer, can strip us of joy and shake our moorings of faith if we can’t look beyond our circumstances. The Apostle Paul understood the importance of right perspective. In the midst of terrible persecution, trial and imprisonment, he could still talk about joy and encourage others with these words from Philippians 3:4; “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” How was he able to say that? Because in spite of his circumstances, Paul never lost sight of the promises, power and presence of God.

How will you encourage and model an in spite of attitude for your grandchildren? Does your life shout “Rejoice in the Lord always!”? When life deals you a bad hand, will they learn from you that it is still possible to laugh and smile in spite of whatever life may bring? Will your response in such circumstance display the greatness of God and the reality that nothing can separate them from God’s love?

It is important to acknowledge the reality of pain and hurt in our lives. Jesus said we would have plenty of trouble in this world. He also said, “take heart”, because He is still in control and has already overcome it all. In these times it is important to laugh and smile, not in denial of the tragedy or pain, but in spite of it. Our ability to laugh springs from an eternal perspective of God’s grace that enables us to rest in His caring arms. It is choosing to live intentionally as an in spite of person through God’s divine power that has given me everything I need for life and godliness.

GRANDPAUSE: “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.”   Victor Hugo