When I was a young boy every Summer Mom, Dad, my brothers and I would climb into our beat-up old car and drive 7 hours over curvy, mountain roads to visit my Mom’s relatives in Tennessee. We always stayed in my Grandma’s house there with her, my Uncle Rich and Aunt Charlotte. It was a fun time with days full of excitement and joy. Often Aunt Charlotte would even make us a Thanksgiving dinner in the Summertime with delicious turkey, gravy, potatoes, and stuffing. Some of my happiest childhood memories came from those visits.

One in particular holds a special place in my heart. I had just climbed into bed in the guest bedroom on the second story of the house. I’d had so much fun that day but was still wide awake. As I lay there I heard the most delightful sound coming from the front porch below me. It was laughter. Mom, Dad, Uncle Rich, and Aunt Charlotte were down there sharing stories and telling jokes. The laughter was so happy, so joyous, that I found myself smiling. And even then in my young mind and innocent heart I realized that this is how life should be. The laughter became a sweet lullaby that sang to me and I fell asleep feeling all was right with the world.

I look back on that memory anytime this life seems to be getting too stressful or crazy and I embrace the lessons that my Uncle Rich and Aunt Charlotte taught me. They always lived their lives with love and joy and laughter and smiles. And they blessed everyone they touched because of it. My Uncle Rich passed away many years ago but my Aunt Charlotte is still alive in her 90's. I write to her each week and am so grateful to still have her in my life.

Our lives here are what we make them. And God wants us to fill them with laughter and smiles and love and joy. Because when we do we not only give ourselves happiness but also make this world a better and more beautiful place. May we always do so.