In 1986, I very reluctantly attended an Episcopal Cursillo weekend...only to please my new wife.

The benefits to me of the weekend were only made possible by two things. First, the weekend rector displayed a warm and honest humor in his introduction. He said the team was not there to indoctrinate us but they were sure going to try to convince us. I felt I had permission to take things on my own terms.

Second, prominently displayed near the lectern at all the sessions was a poster-size print of Jesus Laughing.

That loosened me up. I certainly processed the weekend critically, but went on to work on five weekends.

Now I have a framed print of my own on the bedroom wall. It's one of the first things I see each morning (after I put my glasses on!). His joyous laughter says l'chaim! better than anything I've ever seen.

Along with a prayer of Father Louis (Thomas Merton), my day gets a pretty good start.

Jim Forrest

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