Sabrina adjusted her posture the best she could in the hard plastic chair and opened her laptop. On the drive over, she’d come up with a fresh idea for a new chapter and was anxious to get started. She opened her manuscript and started typing away, the hum of the machines in the background and the fresh clean scent of laundry detergent providing a soothing backdrop.

When her scene was finished, she stood and stretched. Sometime in the last thirty minutes, a guy in basketball shorts, a college sweatshirt, and an NFL cap had taken the seat across from her. His head bent over a notebook as he moved his pencil across the page in intense concentration. She studied him for a moment, then made her way to her machine to see how much time was left. Five minutes. Great. She’d get the clothes in the dryer and get back to her manuscript.

A resounding boom shook the laundromat as a crack of lightning shot across the sky. Sabrina jumped. Rain streamed down the windows, and she couldn’t help grumbling out loud.

“Oh, no.”

Ball-cap guy gave her a once over. “Afraid of lightning?”

“No, but I’m not too keen on all my fresh, clean laundry getting rained on. Or my laptop, for that matter.”

“Working on a college essay?”

Sabrina drew herself to her full height. I’m out of college, thank you very much. I’m a writer.”

“Oh really? What do you write?”

Of course he would ask that. She hated to tell him. No one ever took her seriously. But there was no shame in what she did. “I write Christian romance novels.”

Ball-cap guy studied her face. “Huh.”

“What does that mean? Lots of people like to read them.”

“I’m sure they do.”

Sabrina took another look at him. Based on his outfit, she’d assumed he was younger than she was, but on closer inspection he was probably closer to 30 than 20. “Are you making fun of me?”

“Absolutely not.” He turned his notebook her way. I’m a cartoonist. No one takes me seriously either, once they find out what I do.”

“No kidding. I’ve never met one before.”

He extended his hand. “Chaz Fellman.”

“Sabrina Albright.”

 “So what happens next?” The corner of Chaz’s mouth quirked upward.

“I wait for my laundry to dry and hope the rain stops soon.”

Chaz laughed. “No, I meant in your book.”

“You’re interested?”

“I am.”

“The main character is coming to the place where she realizes that life can be fun.”

“Tell me more.”

“Just a sec.” Sabrina loaded her clothes into the dryer and settled back into the chair across from Chaz. “I made her the opposite of me. People never take me seriously. My parents don’t think I’ll ever be able to make a career out of my writing. They think it’s just a phase. Granted, I do have a day job, but this is my real passion.” She faltered for a moment. “Sorry.  You didn’t ask about me, you asked about my book.”

“It’s fine. I’m interested in you, too.”

Sabrina bit back a nervous laugh. “Ahh, so anyway, Caitlyn is serious about everything. She has her master’s degree and works really hard and teaches Sunday school and is always busy doing things for God. She’s very serious. But she meets this guy Craig, and Craig is not serious at all. She starts off by looking down on him, but she’s coming to the point now where she realizes maybe God has more planned for her.”

“Like having fun in life?”

“Exactly.”

Chaz tucked his pencil behind his ear. “That’s an interesting way to look at things. Aren’t Christians supposed to obey a whole bunch of rules instead of having fun?”

Sabrina cocked her head at him. Was he asking honestly or making fun of her? She’d give him the benefit of the doubt. “There are rules in the Bible, but they’re all there for our own good. To protect us from things that would hurt us. The Bible says we are to rejoice in the Lord.”

“Restore unto me the joy of my salvation.”

Sabrina blinked. “Exactly! How did you know?”

Chaz laughed. “I’ve been reading the Bible my whole life. I know it’s not about following rules to ruin our fun. I was just messing with you.”

“OK, Mr. Bible expert. What is it about, then?”

Chaz grinned. “That’s an easy one. It’s about loving the Lord with all your heart, and loving your neighbor as yourself.”

“Sure. That’s the Sunday school answer. But what about the fun part?”

“Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine. That’s pretty fun, wouldn’t you say?”

Sabrina laughed. “Do you think I should use that in my story?”

“You’d need my permission.”

“Do I have it?”

“On one condition.”

Sabrina arched a brow. “Oh? And what’s that?”

“I’ll give you my literary wisdom to use in your book if you agree to go on a date with me. Think of it. A cartoonist and a romance novelist. What could be more fun?”

“No one would ever take us seriously.”

“I can’t think of anything better.”

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God, You created happiness, joy, and laughter. Help us to remember not to take things too seriously. Even as we move through trials, help us to find joy and fun in everyday life. Thank You for providing so many opportunities to find enjoyment in this life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.