“A wonderful thing about true laughter is that it just destroys any kind of system of dividing people.” John Cleese

Today I’d like to turn my thoughts to  laughter. There is nothing in the world like it. You hear the sound of a baby giggling for the first time and it makes you smile.  Soon that smile has turned into a roaring guffaw and both of you are laughing uproariously.  You tell your grandmother a joke and her toothless mouth exposes all the caverns and crevices of aging, causing you to laugh along with her.

There is nothing like a good laugh.  It can make you cry – makes your ribs ache – releases endorphins – break tension instantly – draw you together and unites you.  I believe this is one of the things God placed within us to brighten the darkest day.

Laughter is more contagious than measles.  It can start with a tiny giggle and explode into a gigantic roar in an instant.  In my family it’s a part of life.  When we want to escape the division which has invaded our country, we pull out the joke book, tune into a zany movie, or just sit and watch people.  I guess you could say it’s like going to the zoo, but I’m sure someone would take offense to that.

Some folks use laughter as a front for how they’re truly feeling inside.  It’s like a mask temporarily hiding our sadness, grief or pain.  Many comedians suffer from depression as is proven by the number of them who commit suicide.  Eventually the mask comes off and exposes the truth.

The old song, “Put on a Happy Face,” comes to mind. Taking on a positive outlook is a good thing. We could let gloom and doom take over our lives, since it is a daily occurrence. The mask of tragedy depicts a face that’s downtrodden.  The mouth and eyes are turned down.  The face sags and wears out.  Laughter can be an instant face lift and it doesn’t cost a cent.

As Christ’s children we have  something to smile about. We have been assured of eternal life with Him. He gives us the confidence to laugh even when our world is crumbling. So spread sunshine all over the place and put on a happy face.

Psalm 126:2  “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”