I have often been accused of being a person who laughs a lot.  I don't usually notice that I do, but so many do notice, that I've had to look at myself and scrutinize my actions - and contemplate the reasons! Maybe there is some nervousness to my laughter at times.  But somehow I have come to the conclusion that there is not much about life that I don't enjoy or find some humor in.  Even when times are tough, there is usually something to smile about if we reason with ourselves and consider the bigger picture!  Don't get me wrong...I have shed plenty of tears for many reasons.  There are simply hard days and real heartaches in every life.  The temporal will always challenge us and bring trials.  I have gotten somewhat better at thinking of the eternal aspect whenever I do manage to compose my aches and excitements.  It is kind of a constant learning process to react according to the bigger picture, but I have discovered that God's grace is truly sufficient in good times - and bad.  Where there is peace and where there is panic - there is God.  And where there is God - there is hope.  Hope does not disappoint, because ultimate hope has blessed assurance and comfort.  The temporal produces sadness and short-term happenings and emotions.  The eternal promises joy unspeakable and a never-ending story.  Even great loss can be redeemed and restored in the eternal picture.  Sorrow can consume us in this life unless we have the hope of the next one in our hearts.  It is only when we realize those truths that we can find a reason to smile.  And yes, even a reason to celebrate - out loud - life that conquers even death!  It is possible to laugh amidst our sorrows and see the long-term joy that overcomes the trials of this life.  It is possible to celebrate the next life as we smile through the tears of the present one.  This past decade has been one of constant struggle, sickness and difficulty in many ways for our family.  I can say with all honesty that the very real enemy we are challenged by will ultimately lose the battle that he has been granted a limited amount of freedom to torment through.  And that, my friends is reason enough to laugh out loud!