Trying Not To Laugh

You know how it is when you’re in a public place and something funny happens, but it’s inappropriate to laugh?  Well, that happened to me the other day.  I’m on a bus traveling from one African city to another.  That in itself is a first for me.  

After the passengers were seated, the conduct0r asked for all our attention.  He explained how many stops there would be along the way.  He told us to stay in our seats and not make a habit of walking around the bus.  Then he pointed out that there was a toilet for our use in the back of the bus.  I can remember his instructions verbatim.  They were as follows:  “Please, if you need to use the toilet, it’s in the back of the bus; but please, only use it for number one.  If you need to do number two, please come forward and alert the driver who will pull to the side of the road.”  

Well, that got my tickle box turned right over.  In my imagination I could picture some poor soul having to walk the aisle of embarrassment to tell the driver that he or she needed to do a number two — and everyone on the bus would know!  I could feel my shoulders shaking and rising up and down.  I tried holding my breath but that only made my eyes water.  A snort escaped my mouth so I pretended to have a cough.  This scenario was just hilarious to me.

I knew, too, that in future days, this memory would come to me at the most inconvient of times.  I could be walking down the street, or driving my car, or even be sitting in church when this memory would turn my tickle box over again!  Oh, but it’s good to laugh isn’t it.

The Bible tells us that God made us in His image.  Therefore, it stands to reason that He laughs, too.  I love the verse in Proverbs 17:22 that says, “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”   I have thanked the Lord often in my life for the ability to laugh, and for good friends to laugh with, on many occasions.  A good guffaw really can change the downcast look into a smile of gladness.

I’ve often felt that it’s a good thing to laugh everyday, at least once.  To everyone reading, may your days be filled with laughter and with the joy of the Lord who is your strength.