Laugh A Little

Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13

Children laugh the best. They laugh often, not only with their faces but also with their whole bodies. Laughter is the one language that looks and sounds the same everywhere. Laughter makes us feel good. We might think the effects are momentary, but according to science, the effects of laughter can last all day as we think back to what made us laugh.

When life gets serious, we forget to laugh. Although laughter cannot cure sickness, research increasingly indicates that laughter is good for our bodies.

• Laughter decreases stress hormones and improves our immunity to infection.
• Laughter triggers the release of feel-good chemicals.
• Laughter (or a simple smile) can help us cope with difficult situations.
• Laughter can bring people together.

You can’t focus on negative emotions at the same time you’re laughing.

When we are in the depths of a challenge, laughter is likely the last thing on our minds. And there is nothing funny about the circumstances we are experiencing. However, laughter has incredible power to bring relief and renewal. Laughter is a resource that is fun, free, and easy. So find a safe person, watch an old comedy variety show, test your knowledge of knock-knock jokes, maybe play a fun, interactive game, and see if your mood doesn’t lift.

Humor is a prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer.

Reinhold Niebuhr

Laugh till you weep. Weep till there’s nothing left but to laugh at your weeping. In the end it’s all one.

Frederick Buechner

Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.

Karl Barth

For Further Reflection

Proverbs 17:22; Psalm126:2; Job 8:21; Proverbs 15:13

Today’s Prayer

Jesus, laughing is so not on my radar right now. But I ask you to show me things that can bring a smile to my face and a chuckle to my belly. Amen.