You are allowed to laugh. Too often our faith is like wearing a T-shirt that's two sizes too small. We keep trying to pull it and tug it and all the while it feels like we are slowly suffocating. You are allowed to laugh. The finger pointers and the self-appointed judges of what's appropriate and what isn't sit in the back row and scowl. They sing "Joy to the World" as if it were a funeral dirge. They say, "Stop that laughing. You are in CHURCH!" You are allowed to laugh.

Jesus did. He must have. How could any human being (or divine being) made of love and joy spend all his life being a scowler and fun-spoiler? Most people don't know, just prior to his career as an itinerant minister Jesus took a shot a sketch comedy. Long before Abbot and Costello or the Pythons or any of those people on Saturday Night Live--there was Scott and Jesus, traveling around Jerusalem playing wedding receptions and open-mic nights. (Well there was no "mics" but you get the idea.) So what if it didn't last? Jesus and Scott took a shot. Now Jesus has moved on and we must take a look at the bits Scott saved so that some day you could hold this book. Someday in the midst of all the arguments.

you could laugh. Laugh. God is not judging you. God loves you. Sit back. Relax. Oh, and it's probably best not to drink coffee sitting across from someone you love while reading this book--just fair warning. Oh, and did we mention? It's okay to laugh.