When feeling loss deeply, each of us processes differently. Personally, I enjoy laughter. I am aware this is not always the most appropriate solution.
However, today I am in need of levity. As I’ve been reminiscing this morning about my life, and how I’ve been affected by my Grandpa, there are many memories. But, there’s one that sticks out.
At age 5, I remember my grandparents venturing south of the border to visit us in Danville, Illinois. Staying with us over a weekend, Pastor Stuermer, the pastor of our church invited my grandpa to preach on Sunday evening.
What may be important for you to know is that I dreaded Sunday evenings when I was 5. The daughter of the youth and music minister, we were required to sit up front, and be still. The sermons were intolerably long, and there was no escape such as children’s church.
When the time arrived and I realized my Grandpa was preaching, I decided to have a chat with him. Surely he could help his granddaughter out, maybe make things quick and painless. I was straightforward in my approach. “Grandpa, you’re not going to preach as long as Pastor Stuermer does, are you?” He laughed and leaned in, “Well, I guess we’ll just have to see how the Lord leads.”
It wasn’t looking good for me.
Even worse, when he stood up in the pulpit, he began his sermon by sharing our short conversation with the congregation. And everyone laughed. a lot.
Okay, so, I didn’t laugh back then- I think I may have tried to hide under the pew. I can laugh now, grateful for my good-humored Grandpa. And certainly happy to laugh, rather than cry, for a bit.
daily portion 