If the windows had been open, the neighbors would have thought we were nuts.
It was 4:30 in the morning, and my husband and I were laughing so hard the bed shook. He had awakened to go to the bathroom, which always wakes me up. When he climbed back into bed, he mentioned an event from the day that was still tumbling around in his brain. I commented. He responded with something silly, and before long we were laughing so hard we were snorting and wiping tears from our eyes.
When the hilarity settled, and we snuggled back into quiet, I sighed happily. It’s been an unusually-rough month. We launched a marriage Bible study, which always seems to stir up issues in our own marriage. We’ve been extra busy with ministry, work demands, and family commitments. And, as a meteorological P.S., not one, but two hurricanes have blown through our city. We’ve frowned more than smiled, it seems, which is why the middle-of-the-night laughter was so lovely.
Professional speakers know if they can get an audience to laugh within the first two minutes, they’re engaged. When we laugh together, it forges a bond that covers a multitude of sins and makes it impossible to be angry. Or sad.
We were gathered at my mother-in-law’s house to celebrate and open presents. But we felt anything but celebratory. My brother-in-law Luther was dying of cancer, and the knowledge that this would be our last Christmas together hung like a black shroud over the gathering. Luther heroically dragged himself out of bed to sit with us around the Christmas tree to open gifts, but his presence, instead of comforting, was heartbreaking.
The title alone made us smile, and the ensuing tale, a hilariously skewed version of the classic The Three Little Pigs story soon had us all laughing until the tears flowed. And while the laughter tears probably disguised a few sadness tears, it was a welcome release. It gave us a happy memory to treasure from that sad Christmas.
Of all the emotions, laughter is the one with the greatest health benefits. The Mayo Clinic article, “Stress Relief from Laughter? It’s No Joke,” lists several short-term benefits, including stimulating our heart, lungs, and muscles; increasing our level of endorphins (the feel-good hormone); relieving stress; and soothing tension.
Long-term effects include improving our immune systems, relieving pain, increasing personal satisfaction, and lessening anxiety and depression.
For my husband and me, our middle-of-the-night laugh was a reset button to put us back on track to enjoy each other and take life a little less seriously. And this is always a good thing.
If your life could use a laughter resent, here are a few suggestions:
1. When things go awry, try to find the funny in the not-so-fun. Generally it’s there, somewhere, even though we may have to look hard to find it. Was it a funny expression on the woman’s face as she griped and complained? Did you see something happening on the fringes that contrasted with the drama of the moment? Capture that and allow the humor to do its work.
2. Seek out funny people. Think a moment. Who do you enjoy being around because they always make you laugh? Why not invite them over for dinner or out for dessert? Surrounding yourself with Happy Harrys instead of Debbie Downers could make all the difference. Because moods are as contagious as chicken pox in a room full of toddlers, it pays to choose our companions carefully.
3. Watch (clean) funny television shows and movies. I admit, it’s hard to find wholesome humor that doesn’t create laughter at others’ expense, but it’s out there. My husband’s favorite source of clean television is the MeTV channel that broadcasts oldies but goodies like The Andy Griffith Show and The Beverly Hillbillies.
4. Seek humor and share it. Even if a not-so-great joke elicits more groans than guffaws, it still might spark a smile. Check out https://www.ajokeaday.com/ for a good source for clean jokes. A free subscription will get you a daily email containing the Joke of the Day. And don’t laugh alone – share it with someone else who looks like they could benefit from a chuckle.
I’m so glad God created us with the capacity to enjoy and share laughter. It’s one of the funnest parts of being human. And since we’re created in God’s image, I suspect he enjoys laughter as much or more than we do. So the next time you throw your head back for a great, big, belly laugh, imagine the Lord laughing with you – because he probably is.
Now, to get you started, here’s one of my favorite funnies, courtesy of A Joke a Day:
It’s a Miracle!
The devout cowboy lost his favorite Bible while he was mending fences out on the range. Three weeks later, a sheep walked up to him carrying the Bible in its mouth.
The cowboy couldn't believe his eyes. He took the precious book out of the sheep's mouth, raised his eyes heavenward and exclaimed, "It's a miracle!"
"Not really," said the sheep. "Your name is written inside the cover."
Now it’s your turn to join the fun. In the comment section below, share a favorite joke or funny experience. I promise to laugh (as long as it’s clean). If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online and leave a comment.
Blessings and laughter to you today!
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