Theme: Laughter
Scripture: Psalm 42:5 The Message Version
Why are you down in the dumps, dear
soul? Why are you
crying the blues? Fix
my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He put a smile on my face. He’s my God.
Devotional:
Have you ever laughed so hard that your sides
hurt. I am not referring to a simple giggle. I mean the kind of laugh that has
you gripping your sides, chest aching, cheeks feeling like they’re ready to
explode, eyes watering, and body shaking kind of laughter. It is one of the
most splendid things to encounter. It is splendid because it is a reminder that
joy exists. For me, especially in recent days, there is so much happening in
and around the world that compels tears, lament, anger, sadness, and grief. I
have nearly forgotten what it means to laugh, to be joyous and merry. These
days laughter is a sign that I am alive. And it brings to my mind a time of my life
that wasn’t so merry. It reminds me of the days that seemed so dark and bleak
that I wasn’t sure I would ever laugh again. Lately laughter has been a balm to
my soul. Since the days of laughter feel so few and far between, I cherish even
more, times when laughter erupts in my space. It feels cleansing. It feels
ALIVE.
Perhaps you have been feeling the
drought of laughter in your life and you are yearning for a return. Give
yourself permission to laugh. Of course, there are some instances when laughter
isn’t appropriate – in the moment. I understand that, too. But more than I was willing
to admit, laughter can also appropriately bring folks to a sense of belonging. My
in-laws are big on good natured teasing, jokes, and laughter. Laughter is their
family metaphorical heirloom, passed from generation to generation, and they
take pride in the skill of bringing sidesplitting laughter opportunities to
folks. At first, honestly, it made me a little uncomfortable. For a long time,
I couldn’t name the reason for the discomfort, but it made me curious. What was
it about laughter that made me feel so uncomfortable? Some of it is my family
context. We lean more toward seriousness and sarcasm as a family (which I
should probably process in therapy). So, to find myself in a new family construction,
where laughter seemed to be the default, felt foreign. Over time – and through
a lot of uncomfortable moments of being the only one not laughing
– I learned to embrace the extraordinary gift that is laughter, and I must
admit that laughter has brought such a richness to my life. It feels like laughter
is a surrender, of sorts. It is a chance to let go of the pretense of
perfection and to be mesmerized by the ordinary moment, the funny joke, or the
belly-shaking laughter that can erupt among friends. Again, it feels ALIVE.
Plus,
laughter is good for the body, too. There are psychological benefits: improving
depression, anxiety, and stress. AND there are some physiological benefits,
too. Laughter can increase
oxygen to the heart, lungs, and muscles, increase the endorphins that are
released by your brain, improve your mood, and reduce physical pain. So,
the next time you feel a deep well of laughter bubbling up, go with it. Let laughter
happen. Don’t attempt to control it but lean into it, allowing it to do what
laughter does.
Let’s practice. Knock, knock…😊
Prayer:
God, sometimes it feels as though laughter
evades me. I want to laugh but there is so much hurt in the world, I feel like
it would be an offense. And I know that laughter is good for the soul so help
me to embrace laughter. God, help me to see that laughter can be healing and
that – even when things are hard – it’s okay to laugh. I want to laugh again. I
want to feel joy again. I want others to hear my laughter and it brings joy to
their hearts. Remind me of what it means to laugh and be merry.
Reflection
Question:
When was the last
time you laughed? What makes you laugh? Why has laughter stopped for you? What
will it take for you to laugh again?
Laughter indeed is good for the soul. I have movies that I like to watch if I am in need of emergency laugh out loud moments. Most are Disney movies and some are irreverent comedies. I don't even need to watch the entire film -just parts. Dory "speaking whale" in Finding Nemo is one that comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteIt is good for the soul, indeed. I, too, have movies, commercials and tv shows that I know will be *just the right amount of hilarious-ness to give me what I need. As I get older, I am recognizing the necessity of laughter. I am glad that you have something, a *go to, if you will, that helps keep laughter a part of your life. Keep laughing :)
DeleteThese are good questions. Many things going on in the world and my own life make it hard to laugh. But when I am need of laugh out loud moments, I have TV shows and/or movies that I watch. I don't even have to watch the entire thing- just parts. Dory" speaking whale" in Finding Nemo is one. Lucy and Ethel in the candy factory is another
ReplyDeleteCan you believe I only just recently saw Finding Nemo? Yes, I hang my head in shame. It is such a good movie and a lot of teaching and learning about life in it. And, yes, it is a wonderful tool to incorporate into your laughter toolkit. I am glad that you have trusted movies that will keep you smiling and laughing, too.
DeleteMy sister is a very funny person. I pretty much laughed my way through childhood and young adulthood with her. In the last 20 years some huge losses have occurred and we lost a lot of our laughter
ReplyDelete. Sometimes I can get it back with my daughter or other people but would love to get it back the way we used to. The last time I laughed hard was a year or so ago, when my stepson was teasing me during a trivial pursuit game after I gave a silly answer. Maybe trying to regain that kind of easy intimacy with people would help me. I’m going to try.
Thank you so much for sharing this sentiment. Experiencing a deep laugh with someone you love is the best. *AND when that laughter has disappeared, it can be tough to sit with. I, too, hope that you regain some sense of joy and laughter in your life so that you can be sustained. I will pray that moments of laughter erupt in your heart and spirit and that an ease of capturing that kind of intimacy with folks you love is within your reach. Until then, keep reaching for laughter and love. You are in my prayers.
DeleteYes, yes it does! Beautiful, uplifting song, and a joyous video, in so very many ways - appreciate the introduction to Korean Soul, and the compilation with BeBe Wayans! Last week I was gifted with some hearty, full-throttle laughter, while at a Super Bowl party that I almost didn’t attend, didn’t feel that I’d be up to attending - truly grateful I did! Got to cheer, yesteryear reminisce, and heartily laugh with generations, some people I hadn’t seen in years, all family and family-friends. Now, as I evolve through the real, I sometimes allow myself to simply be still, as I enjoy a chuckle from that joyous evening!
ReplyDeleteOh, this makes my heart smile. First, way to go for attending the Super Bowl party, especially after you weren't sure if you were going to attend. I am glad you went and that you were able to have a great time, laughing with family and friends. What a joyful image of people sharing space, stories and laughs with each other. As you continue to "go through the real," I pray that you have more moments to laugh and be present with yourself and others. I pray that God's immense love for you reaches you and turns your tickle/laughter box into more joy radiated in your life. Blessings on your journey!
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