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Laughter

By R.J. Evans

It has been said that shedding tears are good for us—it helps cleanse the soul. I agree with that! In a similar (though opposite) manner, the same could be said about the benefits of laughter. In fact, the wise man of old said, "A merry heart does good, like medicine" (Prov. 17:22).

For years, Reader’s Digest has had a section entitled: Laughter, The Best Medicine. I believe that is good advice. Personally, I have always enjoyed reading that part of Reader’s Digest.

Scientific medical studies have found that laughter is good for us—it releases endorphins in the brain, which in turn, help in warding off depression and feelings of sadness.

In this age of technology, the ability to send and receive e-mails has been a source of great joy and delight for me, personally. I realize that some sneer and turn their nose up at such an idea, but not so with me. It is truly a pleasure to have "e-mail buddies". It provides a way of communicating with friends; it helps develop letter-writing skills (which has become a lost art); and it provides an opportunity to let someone know that you have thought about them. Every time I scroll down my e-mail address book, I have good thoughts of those friends and brethren who are on my list.

Practically every day when I check my e-mail, there will be something that I have received that will cause a smile to come across my face. At times, it will be something that is so funny and amusing, I LOL (laugh out loud). That does me a lot of good! Also, I usually receive something that is spiritually uplifting or though-provoking, or beautiful photographs of animals, nature, etc. If it is nothing worthwhile, I immediately "delete" it. I know much of it is foolishness, but if I have received something that I think will cheer someone up, or give them a good laugh, or help encourage them in some way, I pass it on. And each time I do, it’s just another way of my letting them know that I am thinking of them.

In Proverbs 15:13-15, it states, "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance...he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast." Joy is to be sought; to be seen; and to be shared.

Truly, laughter is God’s medicine for us. It comes our way to cheer us and help lighten some of our burdens as we travel through this life. Thanks to all of you who, from time to time, give me a good dose of "God’s medicine."