chapter 9: Created for Laughter

I love to laugh! Laughing feels good! We can get through anything, even serious sickness or very negative circumstances, with laughter. What an interesting patient Norman Cousins was. Not satisfied with a negative diagnosis, he found a cure through laughter to his painful, crippling disease. He literally laughed his way to health. How amazing to see the physical results of laughter….lower blood pressure, increased vascular blood flow, oxygenation of the blood, and even a muscle workout. Laughter just makes us feel good.

In our stress filled world, laughter helps ease tension and helps us “de-stress”. Even in the midst of serious situations, a little brevity can lighten the tension. Try it next time you’re in a stressful situation.

Something I heard Bill Cosby say years ago, has stuck with me. He says, if it is gonna be funny later, it may as well be funny now. Take advantage of each moment, and bring laughter to your life. Often in the midst of doing something embarrassing, we can learn to laugh at ourselves right then. What might have been uncomfortable, becomes bearable because we applied laughter to the situation.

One of the most popular long term shows on TV is America’s Funniest Home Videos. People do some crazy things, and others love to see funny situations on video. There are some really silly movies, and lots of good ways to find ways to laugh. We need to learn to laugh at ourselves. Sarah certainly did when she found out she would give birth with an “old man” as a husband. Most 90 year old women would have just died, not laughed! So do some laughing this week. Find a way to add some joy into your life today!

So true- Statement
“Each morning I wake up and I say to myself, self, you have two choices. You can choose to be in a good mood, or you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from the situation. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.” Page 169

Highlight Scripture
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. Do a word search in the Bible on the word joy. How many joy “texts” did you find?
2. Describe what you think this Yiddish proverb means. What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul.
3. When do you find it hardest to laugh?
4. What is your favorite funny, book, movie or song?

Knit Together Challenge
Create your own laughter journal. Especially if you have young kids, you will forget the funny things they say if you don’t write them down. Having a laughter journal is a great way to lift your spirit, because we know laughter is good like medicine, and helps tighten the abs at the same time!

My Prayer for you:
Father, In Jesus Name, we thank you that you created us for joy and laughter. Thank you for the joy we have in salvation, and the river of life that flows through us to bring life and joy to those we come in contact with us. We look joyfully toward our future, and thank you that nothing is impossible with you on our side. We thank you that our life in You is fulfilling and full of joy, and that we have heaven to look forward to. In Jesus Name, AMEN!