In my favorite scene from “Mary Poppins,” poor Uncle Albert has laughed so hard he’s floating to 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.

And Uncle Albert replies, “Oh? What does he do?”

“He stands around all day and makes faces!” says Burt.

At this punch line, Uncle Albert is a goner, and his laughter is so contagious, Jane and Michael start giggling too. Mary warns them to stop, or they will go right to the ceiling with him. But it was too much to resist, and the children ultimately explode with peals of laughter.

Since everyone is hysterical and floating in mid-air, Mary decides to go along with it. And, with her magical expertise, the whole scene becomes a tea party on the ceiling. Ongoing laughter and merriment keep them aloft. As soon as someone shares something sad, however, they all start to descend…

This reminds me of how Peter was able to walk on water as long as he trusted and kept his eyes on Jesus.  As soon as he began to doubt, he started to sink.

“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:30-1, NIV).

I wonder how many times I’ve missed the fullness of God’s power because I was overthinking. And, of course, that overthinking inevitably gave way to doubt and fear. How much sweeter it is when I can keep my focus on Him 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? Will you resolve to trust God to move in your circumstances and perspective? Will you embrace your joy—and even laugh? Jesus is waiting for you to join him for a tea party, a tea party that will lift you to new heights.

Gracious Lord, I’ll be right there!  Earl Grey, no cream, please…