Laugh Your Way to Heaven: Hilarious Memories That Heal the Heart (And Why Boredom Isn't Allowed!)

I HAD TWO REMINDERS TO LAUGH today as my day was just beginning. It did not take me long to consider this "task." A civil game of musical chairs with preschoolers (sometimes can be drama-filled) brought back other robust games at church picnics from years' past. My dear husband, Sam, and the then pastor's wife, Cyndi Cima-Lewis, would vie competitively (I wanted to say ferociously, but that doesn't sound very Christian) for the coveted golden chair trophy award. When the senior ladies, (some of the bravest persons I knew for a myriad of reasons) Helen Penrod and Edna Bowers, would still be in the game because they shared the same drive as their younger competitors, the game would almost have to come to a halt to avoid broken bones. Remembering these times always makes me smile. Today a youngster said in regards to our musical chairs, "this is boring" - to which I controlled myself from saying the first things on my mind such as: "Don't you know how exciting this game can be?" And "don't let my husband hear you say that!" Sam would say - and our children heard it a thousand times, "I am never bored." He banned them from even using the word.

CHERISHED FAMILY MOMENTS AND MISHAPS
Another funny incident also came to my mind this morning. Sam joined me in the bleachers one evening smelling just as beautiful as my mother. He was not one to use much aftershave or cologne, so I was pleasantly surprised - til I discovered that he had broken my late mother's perfume bottle. He smelled pretty for hours - and I was mad for about as long. Funny today. I do regret not going to more games with him. He had attended thousands! I thought there would always be other opportunities. I was a pretty faithful fan of our own athletes - even coming to games when the eldest son made the comment, "Don't come anymore. You jinx me." How could I jinx you? Good thing I am not superstitious. I will accept criticism, however, when I yelled, "SMILE!" during Andy Graf's tennis match. I should have paid more attention - it was a most inopportune moment for me to offer that encouragement. But Andy did know his mother well. At four years of age, he knew I didn't know a thing about football. His own dad would be on the field covering a news story, and Andy would say to me, "Find a dad to sit by so we can talk about the game." Okay. I'll try.

SMALL-TOWN ADVENTURES AND SWEET SURPRISES
I laugh again as I recall the time Sam lost his wallet. He lost it briefly on a regular basis, but this time it had disappeared for 3 months. I frequently cancelled our credit cards - more times than I want to recall. Sam would always delay rushing to the DMV to replace his license, because, "it'll turn up - it always does." But during this particular absence, I had "lovingly encouraged" him (he may have called it "naggingly badgered", but we won't split hairs) to go get a new one. We were just a block from home, when a local policeman turned on his red lights. Sam pulled on over just in front of our house. I walked on into our home muttering to myself, "now he's gonna get a ticket, just like I figured." That friendly policeman asked Sam, "Aren't you that high school teacher? Use your blinker." That hometown policeman did not even ask to see "that teacher's license." Only in a small town. With hands on my hips, I was ready to greet Mr. Chagrin coming through his kitchen door only to meet Mr. Grin. He had me.

OLD SCHOOL SECURITY

And I had him the day - years ago at the old school building with old school security (I know, I know...a rock in the door is a no no) when building security was not as tight as it is during these current times, I would just tap on Sam's window if I needed him. (We did not have cell phones in those days - Sam could have lived all of his days without one.) Good system til the last time I tapped on his window. He rushed to the back door (Sam never got in a hurry about much) hushing me, "Don't you know I am proctoring an achievement test today?" Oh...is that why I see a staff member sitting at the end of this hall with a glare on her face? I did find that funnier than my Sweetheart did, but I never did it again. I liked the idea of my husband having a job.Good memories for me that still bring a smile and sweet laughter.

ETERNAL JOY AND THE PROMISE OF HEAVEN
Reflecting a moment more on Sam's quote, "I am never bored" (I need to say it just one more time - we heard that around our house a thousand and one times)...I have heard people ask if Heaven will be boring. For so many reasons, I have faith that it will not. Could the Maker of the Universe make His own Heaven boring? - the One who places a star in the center of an apple, grows a mighty oak from an acorn, or changes a caterpillar into a butterfly! But I am further convinced that Heaven cannot be boring. Sam is there - and he is never bored!"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones." - Proverbs 17:22.

All is well.

Practical Application:

• Share a funny memory with a friend or family member this week to spark joy.

• Read Proverbs 17:22 aloud in your small group or family devotion, discussing how laughter strengthens your spirit.

• Join one of our ConneXion groups at First Baptist Church Mascoutah for more stories and encouragement.

What a delightful reminder from Lori about the healing power of laughter and the beauty of cherished memories. At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, we believe these joyful moments are gifts from God, drawing us closer to Him and each other. Whether through our Bible study groups in Mascoutah or Oasis Community Meal, let's embrace laughter as part of our faith journey. If you're seeking a military-friendly church near Scott Air Force Base or churches in Mascoutah IL, we invite you to join us for services, our Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah programs, or upcoming events where we share in God's love. Reflect on Lori's stories – how can you find joy today? Come visit us and let's grow together.

About the Guest Contributor
This guest post was contributed by Lori Graf, our cherished Preschool Assistant at Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah. With her warm heart and faithful witness, Lori has been loving on our little ones for thirteen years while pointing countless hearts—young and old—to the grace and joy of Jesus. Thank you, Lori (or “Gigi” to so many!), for sharing these beautiful memories and reminders of God’s goodness with our church family!

We welcome guest contributions that point others to Christ. If you'd like to share a testimony, devotion, encouragement, or reflection, contact us at First Baptist Church Mascoutah.