(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)
I believe one of the sweetest sounds to the ears is listening to a child’s laughter. I recall, with fond memories, when I would tickle one of my young nieces, as we played, how they would giggle and laugh almost hysterically with such innocence and joy. They did not have a care in the world and the sound of their laughter was like a breath of fresh air!
One of my favourite Bible stories is when the children were invited to sit with Jesus as He blessed them. I can only imagine the excitement these young children must have experienced and what sheer delight it must have been for each child to snuggle up close to Jesus into His open arms. Oh, to have been one of those children, to feel His love and compassion. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Although there does not appear to be any specific reference in the Bible to Jesus laughing, I cannot imagine that Jesus would not have laughed and played with these young children as well as listened to their stories and deepest secrets. Children have a special gift when it comes to laughter. Their innocence, yet curiosity, exudes such delight in the smallest of pleasures, carefreeness, positive attitude and pure joy, which ultimately puts a smile on those who are around them. Their laughter is infectious. Though one’s childhood may flee like a beautiful sunset into the evening’s horizon, its memories of laughter are filled with tranquility that brings much solace to the soul.
The old saying “laughter is the best medicine” is actually supported by many medical professionals. Laughter has not only been shown to improve one’s emotional and physical health, but spiritual health as well. I once read “laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects” as quoted by Arnold H. Glasow. Considering the severity of the side effects I have experienced this past year due to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, I gladly welcome such a prescription as laughter, which has been a godsend to this battered body, mind and soul. I am so thankful that God has given us the gift of laughter for it reminds me:
- Joy can be found in all circumstances ~ “For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11);
- Even my burdens, if just for a while, can be lifted and carried away by a moment of laughter ~ “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain you” (Psalm 55:22);
- Strength comes from within as laughter re-energizes, renews and restores one’s outlook on life with optimism and hope for a better tomorrow ~ “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13);
- Unwavering faith can inspire new aspirations, hopes and dreams that one could never have imagined ~ “Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3);
- Scars of this past year may be with me forever, but I can rejoice in the name of JESUS that my prognosis is encouraging. I have much to be thankful for as I have been surrounded by my loved ones, who have endured my sufferings, journeyed with me on this path of healing and have brought much love and laughter into my life ~ “Fear not – thou art mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:1,2). “For He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I will come out as gold” (Job 23:10).
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“If love is the
treasure, laughter is the key.”
~ Yakov Smirnoff
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