Laughing Boy (1625)

Laughing Boy (1625) was painted by Dutch artist Frans Hals and is displayed in the collection of the Mauritshuis, at The Hague.

The well-dressed little lad appears to be very happy, a state nearly all parents would wish for their children. Yet we also know that childhoods can be difficult and dangerous, unhappy and unpleasant. The gospel of Jesus Christ does not instantly fix every psychological bruise or scar from childhood damage, but it does enable us to smile and laugh again. In heaven, with Christ, we shall have all the energy, vivacity and joy of a child, but without the vulnerability, dangers, helplessness and folly of childhood.

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2