Laughter

One of the things I enjoy the most when our family gets together is the laughter. It’s good wholesome fun. Yes, there are serious discussions. But I’m glad they are balanced with a good amount of laughter.

I’m sorry to say that our home when I was growing up was not a place of laughter. My father had a quiet sense of humor, but my mother did not. Not much was funny to her and she didn’t encourage fooling around. One time, when I was a teenager, I tried to make a joke and she accused me of being disrespectful. She reported the incident to Dad and he felt obligated to give me a spanking with his belt. I had no idea what I had done wrong. So from then on I was very careful about what I said and how I said it.

It’s interesting how those things shape us. I’m probably too serious for my own good, but I’m trying to appreciate a valid sense of humor and respond appropriately to funny situations. It’s just a good thing that all people aren’t like me or this world would have no comedians. Not that all comedy is good. Like all gifts of God, man can use it for good or evil. And we should be careful to use this gift in a way that pleases the Lord.

Does the Bible have anything to say about laughter? Yes. How about this verse? “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22 English Standard Version). Ecclesiastes 3 says that “There is a time for everything…” And the list includes: “a time to weep, and a time to laugh…”

Last night I had a good laugh when recalling a comical speech in the musical “Plaid Tidings.” I have a few memories that trigger a hearty chuckle, and I’m trying to add to that memory bank. Tonight our great grandchildren are coming for dinner, and I’m looking forward to some fun laughter at the table.

How about you? Have you had a good laugh recently? Try it. It’s like medicine for your soul. Even when there’s sadness surrounding you and invading your heart, can you still enjoy a good laugh? What do you think? Is that possible?