Over the past few days, I have had tears stream down my face without warning. I cannot describe to you how much I miss James Twining. He believed in my parenting when few others did. I struggled with fear and anxiety when my children were younger. This is partly due to Jorden having two heart surgeries and partly due to the way my mind worked at the time. He stood beside me and encouraged me forward. He did not sugar coat things, and he was known to kindly stop my fearful words with truths. (Notice I said kindly. He was never rude or condescending.) He talked to me with respect and told me on numerous ocassions that I was doing a great job. His love reached past office visits, as he was known to call our home and check on our children. It's funny, I knew I loved and admired him, but I didn't realize the enormity of it until he was called home by the Lord.
Last night as I washed my face my heart was heavy. I began telling my husband some of the funny times I had with Dr. Twining. I began to...laugh. It felt so good to laugh after days of tears. I hadn't even realized all of the funny moments our family had shared with him. Man, he had a great way of calling me out! My heart continues to be heavy, but I am finding the joy in the laughter that God provides me. I am grateful that Jesus caused my mind to remember the fun times we had.
What a true blessing laughter is. It is a healing balm for our souls. If you are feeling down today, ask Jesus to bring something to your mind that will cause you to chuckle. That chuckle just might turn into a smile. For that, I am grateful to our One and Only source of true joy.
