God Laughs!
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. Job 8:21
God has a most intriguing sense of humor! Look at some of the animals He created like the manatee or the platypus. I wonder if He snort laughed and said to Himself, ‘They will like these funny creatures!’ Linda S. Clare wrote a delightful devotion (full of life lessons) featured in All God’s Creatures and titled Meerkat Foolishness.
“The first time I saw meerkats at the San Diego Zoo, I was fascinated. Their bodies are long and skinny, like ferrets, but they live more like prairie dogs. Small mongooses from the deserts of southern Africa, meerkats often stand erect on their back legs, and their pointy snouts, dark eye rings, and slight overbites make them look a little foolish. What was God thinking, creating such a goofy critter? But when a meerkat stands guard duty, look out. Any threat—from mammal, bird, or reptile—and the sentry meerkat barks a shrill alarm.
I also love the ways they cooperate in their packs of two dozen or more. Certain meerkats hunt, guard, and even babysit as they work together. Watching them at the zoo, I was reminded of all the tunnels I’ve dug for myself, overindulging in rich foods, justifying a mean word, or ignoring God’s still small voice in ways I don’t like to admit. But like meerkats, I, too, have a sentry—my conscience—that sounds an alarm when my tunnel is about to cave in. And as the youngsters chased each other, I also thought about what a workaholic I can be, forgetting to have a little fun now and then.
When God created meerkats, He gave them silly yet adorable looks, but He didn’t stop there. Meerkats’ cooperation gives them the ability to feed the pack, take care of the babies, and thwart their enemies. As the group settled down for a midafternoon siesta, I walked on to the next exhibit, sure that God had used a pack of meerkats to remind me how to live and love well. As I glanced back, one of the young meerkats raised a paw, as if to wave goodbye.”
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When is the last time you had some fun? We all need to laugh more, cooperate, and take care of each other. Lighten up! I am absolutely sure God has a funny bone!
Have some fun! Sing and clap and enjoy one of my favorite songs.
Father God, teach us how to lay aside the nagging of this world to have more fun. Thank You for making us in Your image and fill us with Your light-hearted laughter. AMEN.