My Primary Care Physician is a woman. Now I was raised as a fundamentalist, but I survived, and lived to tell about it. The leftover baggage from my strict upbringing only occasionally intensifies my embarrassment during doctor's visits.
Today I went in for a check-up (the blood pressure was 130/70!) and am happy to report that all is well. Her parting words were, "Have a blessed Lenten Season" (more about that tomorrow. She's episcopal by the way). I wished her the same and added, "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" which is a Cajun expression meaning "Let the good times roll!" I reminded her that today is Mardi Gras where I come from and her last chance to misbehave before Easter.
She squealed with delight, ran back into her office and retrieved several strands of colorful Mardi Gras beads from her desk drawer. "Here", she said, "These are for you!" I was thrilled!
"Wow! Mardi Gras beads; and I didn't even have to expose my chest to get them!"
We had a good laugh and I was on my way, feeling giddy.
I got a few strange looks in the elevator (most folks don't do Mardi Gras way up north here in Virginia) but that didn't dampen my spirits. In the lobby I saw an older gentleman on crutches, he looked at me and grinned so I gave him some of my beads and wished him a happy "Fat Tuesday" (that's english for mardi gras). He was still laughing as I left and I glanced over my shoulder to see him giving the beads to his lady friend who had driven him to the doctor, and she was beaming upon receiving the simple gift.
Now, I am not endorsing the debauchery typically associated with Mardi Gras. I'm just saying, there was a lot of joy and laughter for a few moments this morning over some silly beads and kind greetings among strangers. And I think it made God smile, too.
"Laissez les bons temps rouler!" strongly conveys the "joie de vivre" ("joy of living") often found among the residents of South Louisiana. The joy of living; now that sounds like an apt description of people who are experiencing New Life, abundant life because of a relationship with Jesus. I don't know about you, but I need more of that--every day.
The joy of living. We Christ-followers, of all peoples, ought to be living joy-filled lives. We can "practice the presence of Jesus" and spread a little joy wherever we happen to be standing at any given moment.
Think for a moment, whose life could you brighten today with a simple gift of time and attention? Look for someone who could use a little pick-me-up and let God use you to brighten their day. As my friend Faye says, "When you're feeling down, find a need and meet it". Sounds good to me, and I'm pretty sure God would agree. Making someone else's day--now that's a good time..."Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
~ Father, help me to live life to the fullest--full of service and kindness, and full of joy. Amen.
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