At the end of an 8-day silent retreat awhile back Sister Maria asked me to pick a blessing from a bunch of folded papers in a bowl. Putting my hand in, out came this blessing, much to my amused spirit. For over 20 years I have prayed every day for the gift of Holy Hilarity (much needed for relief & development workers in conflict zones, even more needed for busy caregivers.)
“May the God of Laughter be with you, blessing you with the inner joy that calls you to chuckle at your own seriousness; and may your sense of humor lighten your heart and the hearts of those who share your journey. May your laughter bubble over to others, causing them to smile and laugh.
May the healing God of laughter gently hold and bless you.”
One thing I learned through the care-giving gig with my parents: the “how” really matters. Doing that love thing while mopping up poo (or pee) and ‘turning’ my bed-fast quadriplegic Papa (which involved slinging him about) – how I did it mattered.
With love, for love, in love – plus humor definitely helped. Taking Mama through ‘the Beauty Shop’ (getting her showered & spiffy clean) Papa loved to hear us giggling.
How I thank God for the gift of holy hilarity that made those times with Mama so special. Despite her crooked back & swollen knees, I know she felt beautiful as we sang hymns & shared joyful times together @ The Beauty Shop. (Not just hymns, we’d also sing, ‘rub a dub dub Mum’s in the tub!’)
On this Lenten Thursday, let’s ask God to enliven us with the healing laughter of Holy Hilarity.
grace, peace & holy (healing) hilarity
Virginia : )
“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” Victor Hugo
(even my teddy bear, Bumbles, & Freddy the Frog!)
Roses in the Rubble 
I like God of Laughter and love your green froggy!!👍🐾😃
GH, yare simpatico with God’s laughter – so glad you like Freddy the Frog. He is quite big & fluffy & a big comfort at times! Hugs! 🌷✨😂✨🌷🤗🌷
Aah so Freddy is like my Garfield to me! Happy Saturday and yes, Freddy the Frog will give you lots of great hugs!
Love your post! Happy Thursday Virginia! 🙂
Thanks, Patty. May God bless you with the gift of Holy Hilarity today! 🌷✨🤗✨🌷
Holy Hilarity? Never heard of this one, but it’s a great thought for ANY day, not just Lent! Thanks, Virginia.
Debbie – asking God for this gift every day, I have been blessed many times with extraordinary levity that has diffused stressful situations & made challenges bearable. Hugs & humor! ✨🤗✨💜✨😂✨
You are truly St. Virginia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Centurione_Bracelli
Didn’t know there was a Saint Virginia! wow, Tim! ✨🌟🌷🌟✨
Ginny,
What tremendous care you gave our beloved parents … the “how” changes everything and everyone❣️🙏😇
Amen, the ‘how’ changed me, Cin – & that’s also why I pray every day for Holy Hilarity to help with the ‘how’ (to keep joy muscles in shape!) Hugs & love! ✨💜✨🤗✨
I love your green frog,so cute. 🙂
Freddy the frog is cute & BIG – I gifted him to my bedfast quadriplegic father during his last illness & Freddy the Frog made my Papa laugh, despite his pain. Blessings to you! 🌷🤗🌷