I have wrapped my laughter like a birthday gift and left it beside your bed

Sometimes it feels so good to drink water

that the first sip ignites your thirst

and you cannot help but take in the whole glass.

You didn't even know you were thirsty. 

When did God call for austerities?

I don't remember the Divine 

asking us to keep from dancing,

from singing, from reveling in 

the joy and celebration of knowing 

that life may be serious,

but God is laughing.

Who wants to go to a party

where everyone feels bad about themselves,

and there is no music, no drinking, 

no dancing, or eating, 

no playing, no joking,

and no one is laughing? 

God wants to have friends who show up to the party armed for celebration, 

especially in God's presence. 

Once we get a taste of this joy,

we cannot help but drink up all of it.

We didn't even know we were thirsty.