A cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:15

Laughter. What makes you laugh? Is it a joke, a comedian, maybe a story? During the holidays, my sister Linda and I had the privilege of sharing in a moment of laughter that still makes me giggle and grin almost two months later!

We decided to do some baking this holiday. Now, when we were growing up, my mother baked so many dozens of cookies that it filled cans and jars that were stacked on the pantry shelves and lasted until mid-January! So, I decided this was the year to do some of that traditional baking! I made my list, checked it twice, hahaha, and purchased supplies. Well, we didn’t bake everything and our waistlines are probably thanking us! But during this bake-off we had a moment of laughter that was ‘outrageous’.

We were packing items to take to Christmas dinner at our older sister’s home; I remarked how much I liked the cookie boxes we were using and would have to look for more of them. Now, my sister Linda had purchased these several years back and we had saved them for the ‘bake-off’- but she hadn’t remembered them. She commented that yes, they were really nice and where had I found them. I looked at her, and innocently remarked, ”out in the pantry closet.” We both stopped, looked at each other, and broke out in hysterical laughter! I realize that other people would not find this such a hysterical joke, but it struck us as funny and we laughed. We enjoyed the kind of laughter that comes up from deep inside of you and explodes! Then, afterward you feel so good and refreshed!!!! We were basically laughing at ourselves and each other, but we didn’t get offended or hurt, we just laughed! It felt so very good! I sill chuckle about it.

Why does God give us laughter? Well, I think about how I felt after this experience; refreshed, rejuvenated, uplifted, and cleansed. I hear people talking about taking medicine to get a ‘high’ or feeling of euphoria; at that moment filled with laughter-that was the feeling I experienced. It wasn’t illegal or dangerous to anyone and even if it was addictive-it has to be a good addiction because again: not illegal or dangerous!

Let us all try more laughter, more relaxation in a natural way. God has given us this ability so let’s take advantage of it and practice laughter!!!!

Dear Lord, thank you for this gift; outrageous laughter! Thank you that it makes me feel so good and keeps the feelings of doubt and depression at bay-even if only for a short time. I pray that everyone reading this will find something to laugh at and enjoy in the days to come. In your precious name I pray. Amen

In Him, now and forever;

Sandra Sanders

Boundless Trust