Wednesday, March 4, 2009

God's laughter


What does it feel like when we know God is present with us? Sometimes I'll be going about my business, and for no apparent reason it suddenly feels like God is right there. Some people describe God's presence as energy, power, love, or peace. For me it very often feels like humor, like sitting with a friend who bursts into laughter. You may have no idea what the joke is, but you can't help laughing along.


The Hindus have the idea that the whole world is "lila" or the play of God. We Christians tend to assume that God is always deadly serious, busy judging and controlling the world, or at least hard at work on fixing its broken places. When we say, "God must have a sense of humor," we usually say it with a taste of bitter irony, as if God is playing an unpleasant trick on us. I think God's humor is gentler, more a loving bemusement at the way this world bumbles along and a delight at surprising us with a blessing.


Lord, show me your playful love, and help me laugh more at the ups and downs of this life. Amen.

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