In my favorite scene from Mary Poppins, poor Uncle Albert laughs so hard that he floats on the ceiling. Mary and the children are called to come and rescue him. Nephew Burt, also prone to laugh attacks, tells Uncle Albert he knows someone who has a job in a watch factory.
Uncle Albert replies, “Oh? What does he do?”
“He stands around all day and makes faces!” says Burt.
Uncle Albert is a goner at this punch line, and his laughter is so contagious that Jane and Michael start giggling too. Mary warns them to stop, or they will go right to the ceiling with him. But it is too much to resist, and the children ultimately explode with peals of laughter.
Mary decides to go along since everyone is hysterical and floating on the ceiling. Her magical expertise makes the whole scene a tea party on the ceiling. Ongoing laughter and merriment keep them aloft. However, as soon as someone shares something sad, they all descend.
This scene reminds me of how Peter could walk on water as long as he trusted and kept his eyes on Jesus. But as soon as he doubted, he started to sink.
I wonder how many times I’ve missed the fullness of God’s power because I was overthinking. Of course, that overthinking inevitably gave way to doubt and fear. How much sweeter it is when I can keep my focus on Christ and experience the thrill of walking on water. This complete trust takes me to the ceiling of my faith, where I can laugh and drink tea with Jesus.
What are you anxious about right now? Resolve to trust God to move in your circumstances and perspective. Embrace your joy—and even laugh. Jesus is waiting for you to join Him for a tea party that will lift you to new heights.

Lorraine Ray is an award-winning author of the devotional Yes, Cheese-Us Loves Me! and associate professor emeritus at Ohio University. Her other works include humorous essays in Bella Magazine, plays performed for the South Carolina Writers Association, and short stories in anthologies, including Laugh out Loud by Allia Zobel Nolan. In 2006, she won the Carrie McCray literary award for her essay, "One Day on Oprah." In 2019, she won The Saturday Evening Post limerick contest. Lorraine has been with Bible Study Fellowship as a participant and group leader for over a decade. She has also directed adult and children's choirs and is the founder/director of Aiken Kinderchoir. Read more of Lorraine's work at www.lorraineray.com.