Mirth Happens

M I R T H
H A P P E N S

The dog’s leash, a flashlight, some nail clippers and a bottle of sunscreen are among the many items of which I know where they are…. until I actually go looking for them. Then a cloaking device of some kind gets engaged. They are nowhere to be found. I would blame “Alexa” since she is the foreign power in my home that seems to know so much, yet she remains suspiciously quiet concerning the missing items.

However, a few days or even hours later when I am no longer seeking out these items, there they are, in plain sight.

Seriously, how does that happen?

I liken the concept of fun to these household imps. I know exactly where to find it. Theme parks, the beach, sporting arenas, restaurants etc., but all too often when I search for it in all these places, fun is nowhere to be seen. Instead, you find stress, whining, or “eh” instead. The worse is when you methodically plan a vacation, slotting in “fun” destinations and you are met with a wall of discontentment by those you have chosen to join you for this magical moment.

Sometimes I think maybe I just don’t know what fun is.

f u n (noun)
1. something that provides mirth or amusement
2. enjoyment or playfulness

m i r t h (noun)
1. gaiety or jollity, especially when accompanied by laughter
2. amusement or laughter

After reading, and re-reading these definitions and doing some research in the Bible, I have come to realize that when I say “I want to have fun” what I really am desiring is mirth.

I long for laughter.
I often have the definition of fun that is enjoyment. It is “fun” for me to take pictures, to write this blog, to have coffee with a friend, to go on a date with my hubby, play frisbee with my kids, etc. I try very hard to be in the moment and be content. The importance of those moments are not lost on me. Because it seems that in those kinds of moments I get to hear people’s hearts and see their true natures (including my own.) They require some purposeful planning and a certain amount of self control– babysitters, scheduled time, money, putting down the cell phone, participating in conversation, and so forth. These moments, just as they are, are a much needed beautiful thing. They re energize and refocus you. Sometimes we get so lost in our roles as parents, employees, spouses that we stop being us. Sometimes, not always, but sometimes, when we are no longer concerned about our image and are present in the moment, it happens…

mirth.

I remember the first time I went to see my family in England. I was fifteen. I never grew up with my Mom’s side of the family. Although I was excited to meet everyone, it was awkward. I have never really seen my mom around family. For the first time, I was able to see her switch roles from wife/spouse to daughter/sister. I enjoyed watching her relax into these roles and the additional sightseeing was educational and breathtaking. It was a good time. Then my Aunt Dianne had a brilliant idea. She decided to host a Christmas in July party, since our family was never together for the holidays.

When we arrived to her house, we were greeted by holiday salutations, Christmas decorations and the most mouth-watering spread of goodies. The stage was set for fun.

Aunt Dianne also planned out some party games. I do not remember all of them. Although I do remember my one cousin getting really mad because my Grandad was helping me cheat. Being that this was my only grandfather that I have ever known, and knew I only had two weeks with, I relished the moment. Then, we played another game I will never forget. Pass-the-matchbox. This game is similar to pass-the-orange except that you use the cover of a matchbox and pass it with your nose.

My mother was typical British. She and her family all had the same long, straight nose. However, my dad was not British. He had an American “bulb” at the end of his nose. So, when the matchbox cover was passed to him and he, in turn, tried to pass it to my mom– it got stuck. No matter how hard they tried, the transition could not be made. Oh my word, mirth happened.

My mom’s two sisters lost control. Not cute giggles. Full on, bent over, side hugging, leg-crossing kind of laughter. Naturally, they all bolted (as much as you can with legs crossed) to the water closet at the same time. This visual is forever etched in my memory.
They laughed until the tears came down their legs. It was then, in that moment of total gaiety, that I felt a bond with my British family that I had never had before.

The same thing happened years later on a ladies-only-beach-retreat (see previous post “ok” if curious) when everyone came over to our bungalow for games. The pieces were all there for fun. But it wasn’t until everyone had ditched their inhibitions and locked fully into the moment that we went from just an entertaining evening to one we’ll never forget. Meaning, it did not matter if someone had money or not, was worldly beautiful or not, a college graduate or not, skinny or not, naturally self conscious or not— all those have and have nots were shoved aside. And that freedom led to so much laughter, the kind that led into the early morning where I finally started to find healing (and my best friend).

Mirth found me.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. . .
a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
Luke 6:21

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

This world needs more laughter. You need more laughter. Not the kind that is at the expense of someone else, or the crude kind that you would never laugh at if Jesus or per say, your proper British mother, was next to you. But the kind that will find you once you relax, engage and feel safe to be yourself. It very well could happen at a theme park, or on vacation, but it may sneak in at a funeral (story for another time) or while lying in bed chatting with your kids. Nonetheless, God Himself has declared there is a time for it. As ready as you may be to cry with someone, be just as ready to laugh.