Devotion: Finding the Laughter in All Things

“More please.  More laughter, a smidge more light-heartedness, and a lot more love.” ~Unknown

Though I love depth in conversation, I’m also a huge fan of silliness. Laughter was a valuable commodity in my family when I was growing up. Most of my favorite memories involve shared laughter with people I love. My dad made us laugh daily in the midst of the tensest situations. To this day, I have to stifle giggles at serious moments since humor is my go-to coping mechanism when things are strained.

Sometimes laughter comes from the most ordinary of moments. One of my favorite memories is of a time when my daughters and I were all piled in bed reading a story. I was tired and ready for my girls’ bedtime and for time to myself. But in the midst of the storytelling, something magical unfolded. Emerson read aloud a page in which the protagonist pig was chilly in the winter, so he donned a wool coat. The illustration showed a proper pink pig walking upright on two legs to his friend’s home. Emerson pointed out that he wasn’t wearing any pants. I mean, he’s a pig, so he didn’t need the coat let alone the pants, but the fact that he was waving his pink derriere out in the winter breeze sent my girls into fits of giggles, and soon we were all laughing to the point of tears. Both girls climbed out of bed and swung their jammie-clad bottoms around the room, imitating the pantless pig, which only made us laugh harder.

Something powerful was released in that moment as joy and love rose around us. Had I slammed the book closed, said, “That’s enough for tonight,” and hurried them off to bed, I would have missed the moment we still reflect on to this day, the one we refer to as Poppleton the Pantless Pig. It remains a happy touchstone for us when we need a good laugh.

Joy isn’t just for the present moment; it’s a place we can reach for when life doesn’t seem funny.

At times, we must work hard to find amusement in our days. I’ve lived long enough to know that sometimes life’s just not humorous. Yet there is power in light-heartedness.

Did you know that there is actually a biblical reason why laughter feels so good?

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17 NIV)

Righteousness, peace, and joy are three biggies in God’s kingdom. Laughter is an expression of joy, which means cracking up is godly. No wonder it’s so uplifting. I have found that in my most weary seasons, laughter is what has comforted me. When my mom was ill and had only days to live, my brother made the most hilarious quips that had me weeping tears of laughter. [Tweet “Humor and the joy it brings can buoy us, lighten our load, and multiply our strength and hope.”] Sometimes circumstances are riddled with pain and nothing seems very funny. But when we feel defeated or frustrated, we would do well to find levity—even if we have to reach back and remember something funny in order to be encouraged.

The Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. I have found this to be true. I have been strengthened by joy and have laughed in situations that aren’t especially funny or when it’s likely not appropriate to laugh. But I am learning that maybe it’s more appropriate than I realized. Respecting and honoring the sanctity of a moment will always be in style, but perhaps the ability to summon a little light-heartedness is actually an expression of God’s love for us.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)

Scripture for Reflection

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.”  (Psalm 126:2 NIV)

Reach for More

This week’s challenge is about making room for more laughter and joy. Each day, look for levity (lightness) or joy in the moment. If you can laugh at yourself, consider sharing a personal mishap with a friend. Not only does it serve as a great equalizer, it serves as a sweet encouragement to others to know they are not alone. If you’re in a place where nothing seems funny, reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life and choose an expression of joy as you look toward a future of things working together for your good.

Dear friends, we can do this. We can laugh not only at the days to come but in the present moment. Express joy and share a laugh with a friend, and I’ll be laughing with you and loving you from here.

Please, come back and leave a comment telling us about how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.

Melinda Mattson will follow any sign that leads to the promise of vintage décor and repurposed treasures. As a wife and mom to two dear daughters, her home is filled with equal measures of sugar and spice. She loves kindness and Jesus and is glad they’re meant to come as a package deal. She aims to embrace both with equal fervor. Melinda blogs at www.melindamattson.com.

 

Photograph used with permission from and copyright of Melinda Mattson Family Archive.