Broken Laugh Box?

laugh (lf, läf)
v. laughed, laugh·ing, laughs
v.intr.
1. To express certain emotions, especially mirth or delight, by a series of spontaneous, usually unarticulated sounds often accompanied by corresponding facial and bodily movements.
2. To show or feel amusement or good humor: an experience we would laugh about later on.
3. b. To feel a triumphant or exultant sense of well-being

I remember watching a series of Sponge Bob Squarepants with my children. It was the episode where he thought his "laugh box" was broken.

One of the most treasured things I have experienced is when my children laugh. Joshua's first laugh came when he was 6 months old. I remember being over joyed and continued moving the one toy that made him giggle so I could hear it over and over. (Yes, I know, 6 months is late...Autism is a funny thing, eh?)

His laugh is so contagious. He would laugh in his sleep. He would laugh just to laugh...whatever story was playing in his mind...he would just laugh.

His smile is also contagious.

Right now, it is like his little "laugh box" is broken...that spontaneous outburst of giggles. PANDAS D/O has effected his grasp of what is funny and what is joyful. Right now his brain tells him that things are horrible. He will laugh momentarily if I tickle him, but then that changes to tears.

Jeremiah 31:13 says...and I am going to quote it from the Message because I like how it reads:

"Young women will dance and be happy, young men and old men will join in. I'll convert their weeping into laughter, lavishing comfort, invading their grief with joy."

Don't you love the words where God says, "I will INVADE their grief with joy."

What a precious promise. Father, I know this is just a season for Joshua. I know this is a season for us as a family. I cling to You, knowing that YOU WILL invade our grief with joy....there will be INTENSE AND IMMENSE LAUGHTER coming forth from Joshua....for YOU are with us WHEREVER we go...even in the midst of this season!