Remember to Cherish laughter

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Remember to cherish laughter. . .

The person who erupts with mirth

The rhythm of their cackle

The pitch they giggle

The reason behind their cheer

The solace for their pain

The wonderful gift of laughter!

I lost my grandmother recently. Not to worry, she was well advanced in years, and we thank God for the life she lived. However, one of my favourite things about her was her signature laughter. It was a distinct giggle—childlike but not childish. Funny. Memorable. There was a youthful quality to her laughter that defied her years. That, I would always remember.

Photo by Tiago Muraro on Unsplash

I’ve heard people say they attach memories to scents, music, diaries, travel experiences, tokens of affection, even people! For me? Laughter makes it to that list.

Science tells us laughter is a complex neurophysiological response to stimuli, and various brain regions and nerves work together to produce it. Blah, blah, blah.

Can we take a moment to appreciate the spontaneity of laughter? For you, maybe tears well up in your eyes when you laugh. Another person may experience shortness of breath, and trying to catch their breath afterwards. Some others fall into the category of those that clutch their belly from intense laughter, clap their hands, slap their knees, or run. Some even go as far as roll on the floor, pee their pants or break the wind at intervals when they can no longer contain themselves. I’m not picking on anyone, I promise. Or maybe I am, just a little bit.

I hope you agree with me that if we’re going to cherish the gift of laughter, we must come to terms with something with surpassing depth. Like, why laughter?

Isn’t laughter such an intimate and precious gift given us by God? Among many things, laughter connects, brings healing to a burdened heart, uplifts one’s spirit, and adds colour to life.

Although sorrow has a more refining influence on us (Ecclesiastes 7:3), we shouldn’t forget that our trials are momentary (2 Corinthians 4:17). In Christ, our Joy is ETERNAL. One way we give expression to our endless joy is laughter. Laughter is refreshing!

However, one of the things we enjoy in our everyday life is sharing a moment of laughter with those we care about. Whether we do this by seeing a movie or comedy show together, or by sharing a streak of memes on social media, we always seek to rub off our amusement on others. I know I do😂.

Hopefully, it’s not just gossipy ideas and reveling in the misfortune of others that helps us express what God has meant for good. I hope while we’re giving expression to this beautiful gift, another heart isn’t bleeding in sorrow for our insensitivity.

You know, I used to be one who made jest a lot. It’s an area God is still helping me with till date. I even remember writing down some of my teacher’s grammatical blunders in high school, and making a sick joke out of some serious things, all because I didn't know better.

But, being a believer growing in the fruit of the Spirit empowers us with the discernment to draw the line between what should be funny, and what shouldn’t be. Does it mock the character of God? Is it validating evil? Does it seek to put other’s down, with little or no care about how they would feel? Then, I daresay—whatever it is, is NOT funny. Please, don’t make such an object of laughter.

Moreover, the Bible contains examples of people who laughed for different reasons. Some, out of skepticism, mockery, and unbelief. In contrast, others laughed as a foretaste of hope, joy and the vision of a promising restoration.

So, you see, whether we like it or not, our theology (knowledge of God) influences our amusement, and by extension, our laughter!

“He who sits in heaven laughs...” (Psalm 2:4).

Not at your weaknesses. Not at your circumstance. But at the derision of those that waste their time with futile plans against Christ, the Anointed One. The victory of the resurrection is proof of that prophecy.

Therefore, my admonition to you is that in our “L.O.L” world, you make a difference, not only by adopting ‘Laugh out loud,’ but LAUGH OUT LOVE…

Love is patient.

Love is Kind.

Love is not jealous, or boastful, or proud, or rude.

Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

Love does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

(1 Corinthians 13:4‭-‬7 NLT).

L - LAUGH

O - OUT

L - LOVE

…and remember to cherish laughter because the giver knows how to give good gifts.