I am grateful for laughter today. I heard two ladies laughing on their way into the building this morning, and it made me smile to hear happiness.

I am grateful for the little things that make me laugh. Like this short video that Joyce sent to me on Friday, because she knew that it might be a hard weekend, and she wanted to share a smile with me. I did more than smile. This little guy is adorable and his message should be shared with others, so I am. Take three minutes and smile. Or laugh out loud at his “raspberry:”

Things we should all say more often.

I am grateful for a family of squirrels that took up residence in the flower pots under the bird feeder this morning and decided that they didn’t care if I was two feet away – the sunflower seeds were THAT GOOD.

I am grateful for my Aunt Estalene and Uncle Floyd, and I am grateful that they have so many people who love them and will surround them with care and concern this weekend.

I am grateful for a full house at Bingo last night. Everyone was there, and Whoppers were had by all.

I am grateful that Sam had a safe trip and seemed to thoroughly enjoy all that Texas had to offer, including the authentic Mexican restaurant and the big farmer who talked very “Texan.”

This morning, my church devotions centered on the death of Jesus, and Angela LaVallie wrote about being a part of an Easter production when her brother portrayed Jesus:

One year, my brother portrayed Jesus, and when he struggled down the aisle of the church, carrying the crossbar of the cross while soldiers whipped him (he wore padding under his costume to soften the blows), the horror of a dear loved one being punished and tortured unjustly became more real to me than it ever had before.

One of the things that always strikes me when reading about Jesus, but especially after seeing his life animated through various actors, is his humility. Most people are drawn to a humble person. Not necessarily someone who is weak, but someone whose priority is putting others’ interests above his own. Throughout the Gospels, that’s what Jesus did. He taught about loving our neighbors, and he looked out for the lost and lonely, the sick and poor. Ultimately, he gave up his life by a humiliating death on a Roman cross. Even though he asked God to “take this cup from [him]” (Matthew 26:39 and Mark 14:35-46), he was willing to do whatever it took to put the future of humankind above his own life.

We become like whomever we emulate. When we choose to follow a King who is humble, who puts the well-being of others above his needs, we have a chance to become more like him. It is easy to see the grandeur of a leader who seems all powerful and strong and larger than life because of wealth or might, but we have a king who shows us a better way.

And then I read my other devotion, which seemed to fall right into place with the theme for the day. Pretty cool, so I am grateful how that just seems to work, and grateful for the reminder today to be more like my King:

Keep your focus on Me. I have gifted you with amazing freedom, including the ability to choose the focal point of your mind. Only the crown of My creation has such remarkable capability; this is a sign of being made in My image.

Let the goal of this day be to bring every thought captive to Me. Whenever your mind wanders, lasso those thoughts and bring them into My Presence. In My radiant Light, anxious thoughts shrink and shrivel away. Judgmental thoughts are unmasked as you bask in My unconditional Love. Confused ideas are untangled while you rest in the simplicity of My Peace. I will guard and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me.

And finally, that little guy reminded me that I should be grateful for corndogs. So I am.