It’s a Day to Laugh!

My mother-in-law’s top love language is quality time, so for Christmas my husband and I have purposed to give her and my father-in-law that gift. We set up a time to spend the day taking them out to lunch and coffee, just hanging out and enjoying each others company. This year we wanted to take them to a restaurant my husband and I love in downtown Madison called the Old Fashioned.  It has great food, a fun and casual environment, and is located across the street from the Wisconsin state capitol.

The day was finally here and we all rode together. We got downtown Madison only to discover the Old Fashioned was closed for the day due to renovations! Trying to figure out where we go next, we walked a few minutes and decided to go to the Great Dane Pub down the block. On our walk to the pub, we passed Ancora Coffee–that would be our after lunch stop.

As we got seated at the Great Dane we were told their broiler was broken and they had a limited selection of items they could prepare. At that point we were ready to just eat. They handed us a menu with all the items highlighted in yellow to order. The craving for a big juicy hamburger would have to be satisfied another day. After our meal, we headed back to Ancora for coffee. On the door of Ancora they had a sign stating they were closed early for a private party. This was all becoming rather comical.

Now overdue for our coffee fix, we stopped at Starbucks. With coffees in hand and time to relax, we went to the nearby car wash because it was the warmest day in February in Wisconsin. Sitting in the car wash, sipping on coffee, and enjoying great conversation, the large wet cleaning brush stopped and got stuck on the back of our vehicle for minutes–we never got our car washed.  All we could do was laugh because this whole day had been one adventure after the next.

This day was definitely unforgettable! In the face of all these obstacles, we could have become negative, frustrated, or overwhelmed, but instead we chose to laugh and continue in love. It ended up being one of the best days we have ever had together.

I want to encourage you today, if you are facing one obstacle after the next and stress is rising, find time to laugh, find time to rejoice, and be thankful for all God has done for you. It will shift your perspective on the situations and bring great joy. As Philippians 4-7 states, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! …The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”