A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
– Proverbs 17:22

The situation wasn’t good. My 10-year old pitcher was struggling to find the plate. He had walked the bases loaded and the look on his face indicated that his confidence was gone. As I slowly approached the mound, I truly didn’t know what to say. It didn’t seem to be the best time for instruction or to give an inspiring pep talk. I put my hands on his shoulders and looked him square in the eyes. What came out of my mouth even surprised me. “What kind of ice crème you going to get after the game?” He gave me that what in the world are you talking about look and then we both burst out laughing. I’m pretty sure most of the parents in the stands didn’t see anything funny about the predicament we were in, but it didn’t matter. He settled down and we got out of the inning giving up only a couple of runs. Smiles and laughter filled the dugout confirming that the right approach had been taken.

All too often I get locked into my own agenda and leave little room for God. My experience is that He will usually find a way to get my attention. Often that comes in the form of an unexpected situation that forces me to lighten up a little. Instead of trying to fit the day into my own preconceived mold, I’m freed up to enjoy God and His plans for me. His plans always seem to be better than mine anyway. The lesson in this is to lighten up, don’t take yourself so seriously. Take some time to laugh at yourself. Take some time to laugh with God.  The more difficult the day is the more God can help us. Don’t get trapped in your own thoughts. He can equip us to do anything that’s in His will. Change your focus and enjoy the peace that He gives.

Heavenly Father, help me to lighten up today. May I see the humor in life around me and to enjoy those unexpected moments. Amen.