Laughter…

You’ve heard the age old adage, “Laughter is the best medicine” it’s true. Laughter releases endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are connected to our central nervous system that help us deal with stress and reduce the feeling of pain.

Drugs such as morphine and heroin act on the same opioid receptors that endorphins do only these fool the brain into a false sense of well being, euphoria, reduced pain or stress. So, instead try watching old reruns of Carol Burnett or Dukes of Hazard…go to U-tube and look up your favorite comedian, it’s much cheaper, legal and the withdrawals don’t hurt.

Is it ok to laugh or feel happy? Of course it is…we can often times make ourselves feel guilty over feeling good. How can I have the audacity to be happy when there is so much wrong with the world. Well for one you aren’t in charge of the world and can only do your part. We can be mindful of our surroundings but to absorb everything, respond and live as our world is these days would be a quick trip down the dark rabbit hole.

You may possibly just lost someone very dear to you. The feelings of grief, sadness, and loss are normal but in the middle of these normal sad emotions a giggle sneaks out or something happens and you find yourself in the middle of a good ol’ belly laugh…and immediately feel wrong in doing so. Stop, unless the person you just lost was sadistic, he or she would rejoice in your laughter.

Does God have a sense of humor? In Genesis 1:27 NCV “So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them.” So if we were created in his image and laughter is a big part of the human psyche, one can assume he does!!! I happen to think God has a serious sense of humor. I mean look at some of the animals he created…the platypus for one-mole body with a Duck mouth and feet…and what’s with the ostrich’s hairdo…the T-Rex, this poor guy…here we have a monstrous being with the head the size of a small plane, teeth as jagged a mountain peaks, legs and feet the size of large hydraulic pumps but little tiny baby arms and hands. Kept Rex humble, well as humble as Rex could be.

We are called to be empathic, I’m not suggesting in the middle of someone’s tragedy you start telling your favorite jokes so they can laugh or being so self absorbed that you don’t notice the inner pain of people around you. Some of these people you look at everyday; might need an ear, some might need a hug and then there are some who could use just a good ol’ belly laugh. Be open and aware of your surroundings, there’s much to enjoy and rejoice over…let yourself and share it with others… You will bless them and yourself.

I pray for you a day filled with laughter in your spirit, joy in your heart and sunshine on your shoulder…have a blessed day and thank you for joining me. 🥰