Women

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I want to tell you about my nephew, Scott. Only nine years my junior, and growing up in the same neighborhood, he was like my kid brother. As adults, he was one of my closest friends. When this strong, athletic young man-on the brink of so much-was stricken with a terminal illness, my heart broke.

Seventeen months later, it shattered to pieces when Scott slipped into Jesus' arms.

Because I'm certain of Scott's salvation, I know God did the best thing for him-taking him to Heaven. What celebration there is in knowing that Scott's fight is over, in knowing that we shall meet again.

It doesn't diminish the loss. It doesn't alter the fact that there are times when I miss Scott so much...it takes my breath away.

Yet, it's impossible to grieve Scott without laughing.

The guy was so darn funny.

Even during the sad journey of transporting his sealed ashes to an out-of-state, family cemetery, we had to chuckle.

Why? Because we could imagine the comments Scott would have had.

"Keep the lid on and the windows rolled up!"

"Don't wreck-I do NOT want to be scattered in a corn field off I-40!"

"Hey! Would you mind taking me out of the trunk? You KNOW I'm claustrophobic!"

Ah, the healing balm of laughter. What an awesome gift to leave!

Scott's passing made me consider my own life, and if I live it in a way that brings joy to others. Right after Scott died, his parent's and best friend's email boxes went into overflow, bombarded with stories of how Scott had brightened lives.

To know Scott was to be blessed. Ten minutes in his presence would lift your attitude, cheer your heart and lighten your step. He made a difference, and it caused me to wonder-if I died today, would people smile when they remembered me? Would my name conjure a fond laugh? Would they have a story to tell, one presenting me as a light in their life?

Or...would my husband and sons gaze upon my grave and say, "Well, I hope she's in a better mood now."

And would my sister add, "Yes, she's at peace-you can't blow a stress gasket in Heaven."

Now, I don't want to paint the impression that I travel through life via broomstick. Honestly, I'm a quick-to-laugh kind of a gal, though I'll confess-there are times when I need to let go and laugh it off.

Because-there's no doubt about it-our days are sweeter if we can find humor in the vacuum cleaner bag exploding.

When I first started this article, the word "laughter" is what the Lord put on my heart. Yet, as I often discover with writing, God starts with a seed and grows His message out. As I researched what the Bible says about laughter, I was reminded that laughter and joy don't always walk hand-in-hand.

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles sang about it in Tears of a Clown, and some comedians admit to using comedy as medicine, a salve to ease the pain of a life not as fun as their stand-up routines.

We see celebrities waving from the red carpet, their smiles as dazzling as their diamonds. Later we read about the grand 'ol lives they lead, the ones that find them divorcing again, suing their dad and returning to rehab.

Proverbs 14:13 says, "Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief."

Haven't we all put on a happy face to cover an aching heart? Danced to life when we felt like sitting out? Laughed like a hyena to keep from crying like a baby? Had our happiness charred by the words or actions of someone else?

There's a season for every activity under the heavens, we're told in Ecclesiastes 3. And that includes a season to laugh. But...seasons, like life, change. We can't live all our days amid chirping birdies and blue skies. The people I know who attempt this are playing dodge ball with inner hurts.

What about joy, though? The kind that comes from trusting the Lord-the hope, peace and comfort of His promises, the freedom to approach His throne in prayer, the assurance that He never leaves us, even in-especially in-the most challenging hours of our lives?

Many scriptures promise that we don't walk alone, but this was one of Scott's favorites:

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40: 29-31,NIV)

Did Scott use laughter to mask his pain? I believe he did, and I know he downplayed his suffering so that loved ones wouldn't worry so much. I know he would rather hear about your lousy day at work than tell you about his lousy day at the doctor's office. I know he never said "why me?", even when it took him-a former star pitcher, quarterback and weight-lifter-15 minutes to struggle from his jeep to his front door. I know that he spoke of the future, even after doctors said his days were dwindling.

And I know that he left this world with a peace and readiness that can only be explained by Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

Approaching his final breath, Scott's jaw dropped and his eyes filled with wonder-so much wonder that a witness, who didn't believe in Heaven, was moved to embrace its existence. Deep creases, etched on Scott's face by pain, melted away during his passing, his healing so fast and complete that his relief physically manifested.

It was an awesome testimony to our faith...and wow...

WHAT A GREAT THING TO BE REMEMBERED FOR!

Even better than laughter, though I'll take the laughter, too. Scott and I laughed a lot, and had a light-hearted, "one-up-you" relationship. Because of that, I know I'll spend eternity hearing how he got to Heaven first, which can only mean one thing: God likes him better.

Believers never say "goodbye". We only say "later", for the Bible teaches that we'll know each other in Heaven. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV)

Together with our loved ones, we'll have forever to marvel in the promises of our Lord:

"However, as it is written: no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9, NIV)

Truly, the best is yet to come!

(c) Donna G. Morton 2004

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