Laugh Out Loud

This article is an entry in the MAI Devotional Writing Contest. Try your hand at a 400-word devotional to encourage fellow writers worldwide. See contest guidelines and rules.

By Joy A. Valdez, Trinidad

I chuckled at the copy book page I was holding in my hand, words written by my son in his early teens.

Dear Mother, my problem, I could say, is that I have not been focusing on my schoolwork. I am still eager to play around. As a result my marks have been continually dwindling in the past term. I am regretfully sorry and I have a feeling that this month’s mark is not going to be any better. I will speak to the Lord about it and ask him for the guidance and maturity I need to settle down. I will speak to him tonight.

I decided to WhatsApp a copy to him. His response was immediate and typical: “lol”

I reflected on the day my son had gotten married. When it was time for me to give my speech, I had thanked everyone for coming and explained that I had written a poem entitled, “To My Son on His Wedding Day”, which I felt would best capture all I had to say. Other persons gave their wishes for the happiness of the couple and when it was time for my son to respond he stood up, laughing and waving a sheet of paper in his hand.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, “I just want you all to know that my mother and I did not talk to each other about what we were going to say today.”

I looked at him quizzically.

“I want you to know that I too have written a poem which I feel will best capture what I have to say today. It is entitled, “To My Wife on Our Wedding Day.”

His laughter became infectious; the gathering erupted. I too was laughing, but I was mostly thanking God. The Bible tells us that we should “start children off on the way they should go and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NIV

The poem was well-written. In it my son pledged his love to his wife until death separated them. I had taught my son to love and follow the Lord. What became clear to me that day, however, was how much more he had been learning from me while he was growing up.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for always blessing your children beyond our expectations.

Joy Angela Valdez is a Christian mother and grandmother who has accepted her first name as her life’s mission. She has been writing for as long as she can remember and is a published poet. She loves photography and enjoys creating imaginary characters from cloudy skies.

Wait, there’s more! Did you enjoy this article? Click the Facebook “Like” icon to vote for it in the MAI Devotional Writing Contest. The entry posted with the greatest number of Likes will win the People’s Choice Award and $100 USD.