Redeeming Memories and Laughter

Zephaniah 3:17, "The LORD your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love."

It's amazing how one thought leads to another.

This verse was included in a recent list of devotional verses given to me by a good friend. What is remarkable is that this verse was carried by my son, Scott, in his wallet. The verse was on one side of a card, and on the other side was this picture of a laughing and smiling Jesus.

In turn, this reminded me of a time when Scott came home from Immanuel High School excited about seeing a film about the life of Christ that showed Jesus laughing. Scott was relishing in the sight of a Jesus who laughed. "Dad, Jesus was laughing in this film! Isn't that cool?"

Soon, however, my thoughts reflected on the tragic loss of Scott in 1996 and how much the hurt still lingers with me. Once again, I turned my thoughts to thanking God for a Savior who wins victory after victory - even victory over death. Thanking God for rejoicing over Scott. Thinking of how Scott and Jesus are laughing in heaven!

Then I wondered what they would be laughing about? I thought about the time I took a bad fall from my mountain bike. It was very bad. I fell so hard I cracked my helmet. Scott was with me at the time. I remember him racing after me and yelling, "Dad, are you OK?

I looked at him through the dust and dirt still in the air and started laughing. Why? Because something that had the potential of really hurting me, wasn't that serious. In fact, we both started laughing!

I wonder if Scott and I will have that same type of laugh in heaven. Having gone through something so serious as our own death, I wonder if we end up just laughing about it. I wonder if they are laughing about that now.

I remember when Jesus went to the grave of a friend and "He wept." But then, he told his friend to "Come forth!" I love that - and I have to think that Jesus said that with a smile on his face, even through his tears of grief. Yes, I have to think that Jesus and Scott are laughing at death that has no sting, no victory, and is only described as a mere shadow. I can't wait to laugh with them! That will be refreshing!