A good laugh in life can lift your spirits when you're down or cranky. We will have those times where we are traveling down some bumpy roads that are full of potholes, but laughter is like shock absorbers on our car...they don't take the potholes away, they just make the trip a little bit smoother. In those tough times, if you look hard enough and listen carefully, you can find the laughter.
One of the hardest yet most fulfilling moments of my life was when I spoke at my Mamaw's funeral. She was such a wonderful example of a life lived to the fullest. And boy did we laugh when we were together. At her funeral, through my tears I relayed the story of the last time I saw her and how our conversation went.
It was summertime and I had just captured her on video as she was telling her great grandchildren about the good ole days. What a treasured video now for all of us left behind! So, after the video taping, I hugged my grandmother and told her I would see her at Christmas. She then turned to me and said "Well, I hope I don't see you!" She laughed at the expression that was obviously on my face and said "let me explain." She began to tell me her thoughts..."you see, I would like to see you too, but I am ready to spend Christmas with Jesus. I have had a long, healthy, and full life and I'm tired and want to spend Christmas with my Heavenly Father." She continued telling me how she knew Jesus was going to come get her one day soon (which He did one month later) and tell her..."Lorene, your mansion is ready, let's go home!" To which she planned to reply to Jesus..."well, on our way, "WE" need to swing by and pick up Miss Jones and Mr. Smith because they're really pitiful and they need to go on home with us!"
Well, when I told this story at the funeral, there was lots of laughter through the tears. One of my favorite emotions...laughter through tears.
And the humor is always there if we look for it. If we don't find the laughter, all that's left is our fear.
So why not listen for the laughter.
Train yourself to look for the little things in life that make you giggle. The giggle potential is all around us, we just need to slow down long enough to watch and listen for it.
Some ways to find the laughter...
* try smiling...it increases your face value;
* learn to laugh at yourself in a kind way;
* try looking for the humor in difficult situations;
* make a fun lists of things that make you smile and do them; and
* hang around positive people. Laughter is a way to enrich your life instead of just maintaining your existence.
There is a right time for everything...a time to cry and a time to laugh.
Have a blast while you last!!