Laughter is Good Medicine

There is a reason why God has told us in His Word that “laughter is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). Upon doing a little research I have found ways in which laughter enhances our physical, mental, and relational well-being. Research points to laughter as boosting our immunity, lowering our stress hormones, relaxing our muscles, easing anxiety and tension, adding joy and zest to life, strengthening our relationships, and helping diffuse conflict.I believe the laughter of children is good for what ails us adults. This past long weekend we had much laughter in our home with our three grandchildren ages 6, 4, and 2. There were many moments of correction from their parents, as would be expected, but there were more times when giggles and belly laughs were the norm. No matter how a day unfolds, laughter can help us take off a spirit of heaviness. Children have a way of bringing us back to a simplicity of life - to the elements of life that have nothing to do with the house we live in, the car we drive, the clothes we wear, or the latest post.I wonder. Did you grow up in a family where laughter was expressed as a love language?  I believe the cloud of heaviness that can settle over a family is brought into focus through the gift of a group activity. No, I’m not talking about a board game or a puzzle, but taking time to be a little silly and playful together by doing something that seems corny or unusual – something that would bring delight to your children’s hearts and something that fills the air with a common language – laughter.One of the greatest gifts I received from the elementary children when working at a school was not the 200+ roses I received on my birthday nor was it the beautiful diamond cross necklace, although those were very much appreciated! No, it was a gift they didn’t even realize they gave me – it was a gift of hearing their laughter on the playground which was within earshot of my office. There was something about the joy, the light-heartedness that transported me from the serious issues of the day to realizing that my Father gave me this gift.  Sometimes I would leave my chair and computer and sit on the couch in silence, just listening…listening to the gift. I believe this experience is similar to the sound of laughter in a home. It takes the edge off the serious part of our lives that are encased in a pandemic, gas prices, border issues, masks and mandates, and so on. You could add plenty to the list. And the fact of the matter, there are many of life’s issues with which to be challenged and which to take to God in prayer.Fast forward to the time your children will leave home. What will they remember about family life?  I think back to my family of origin and despite the many challenges that my parents faced while rearing five children on a farmer’s income, I do remember one distinct thing: there was joy and laughter in our home. I doubt if my parents ever read a parenting book in their lives, but they lived their faith. They demonstrated hope by their laughter. They demonstrated that no matter what we face today, tomorrow was another gift; an opportunity to embrace life with words of kindness, correction, and yes, laughter. Perhaps this mentoring moment will serve as a reminder to allow laughter to invade your home and your heart and to thank God for its gift. Laughter is the song of children’s hearts! Receive and cultivate it with joy and thank God for the gift!