Last week we were treated to such a delightful display of pure joy in the form of laughter when Chewbacca Mom uploaded her video, and the world latched on to it within hours of its release. We were reminded of the huge gift laughter is as we shared in her 4 minutes of abandoning agendas and lists for the sake of immersing herself in a simple child-like pleasure.
And my week was better because of this. I found myself seeking out moments to laugh and opportunities to pause for silliness. I looked for reminders to step outside of my adult responsibilities and do more than tip-toe through joy.
I reminded myself of the benefits to my body and soul by intentionally adding a daily regimen of laughter – an increase in oxygen, endorphins, good cholesterol and calorie burn. A decease in stress, blood pressure, inflammation and tension to better protect me against heart disease and illness.
It wasn’t long before Chewbacca Mom made it into my conversations and laughter spread at the mention. Because laughter is a universal language.
“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.”
― Victor Borge
This week has been difficult in many ways as I’m sure it has been for you. Yet this God-given gift of laughter has the ability to lighten our load when we choose to indulge.
Our faith becomes more grounded and our perspective opens to hope because we know there is more to this life than the knee-deep muck we find ourselves so often trudging through. Hope suddenly becomes tangible and real; something we can grab hold of and believe in because even the smallest breath of laughter can sweep away the dusty cobwebs of a tired, worn soul.
“If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.”
― Robert Frost
We became more aware of the value of 4 minutes. How we couldn’t imagine laughing that long, and yet we couldn’t stop watching and participating because it felt wonderful and releasing and even holy. How 4 minutes of laughter can feel more holy than 4 minutes of many things done in the name of obligation.
And many of us thanked God for this holy gift of laughter….for the first time in a long time.
“Laughter is carbonated holiness.”
― Anne Lamott
We realized today is a better day after all. We felt a little lighter on our feet, and the world looked a bit brighter through our cleansing tears of laughter. We tuned our heart toward simple pleasures right in front of our own view. We were surprised by how long it’s been since we allowed laugher to saturate our spirit and splash our hearts with goodness.
How the rush of energy and peace filled our souls and refreshed more than any drink of water.
And we wanted more of what Chewbacca mom embraced with such sweet abandon.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps. 16:11 Share on X
So that day, we made a silent promise to our hearts. We promised to stop taking life so seriously because this one life is all we have. We vowed to find joy in the unexpected, to let go of those things we can’t control and release worry to the God who promises to carry every burden. We made a decision to lay aside our to-do lists and our agendas for just a few minutes of child-like wonder.
In a span of 4 minutes, we decided things aren’t really as bad as they seem. Laughter awakened us to more and strengthened us to lift our heads toward the One who created us for more than worldly burdens. We realized that maybe in this laughing, our heart is leaping. And this leaping is making way for fresh trusting… the kind of trusting we’ve been longing to embrace.
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Ps.28:7
We catch a glimpse of the truth that somehow has escaped us in the midst of the daily grind of “must” and “should” and “have to.” The truth that this 4 minutes of laughter isn’t just a gift for us. It’s also a gift for Him, the Gift Giver.
And this laughter isn’t really just laughter. It’s a song.
A beautiful, boisterous song of praise~
Before you leave…
You can enjoy more laughter for your soul here!
Be sure to visit our Featured Fresh Find over at Hope,Heart, Home where Susan Shipe offers us fresh a perspective on spiritual red flags and recognizing God in the treetops. You’ll be encouraged to experience the victory God has in being still and tuning our hearts and ears toward Him. Won’t you please visit Susan’s and leave her some Fresh Market Friday encouragement…because we all need a little encouragement.
And, don’t forget to link your post below by following the instructions so you could be the next Featured Fresh Find!
Share your link below…
♥ Write your post on your blog, just like any other post.
♥ Use the linky tool at the end of my post to copy and paste the permalink to your post.
♥ Try to find another market vendor to encourage with a comment because we all need encouragement!
♥If you would like a chance each week to be featured as a “Fresh Find,” be sure to add my Fresh Market Friday badge to your post. Or link up my blog in your post as a great way to invite more friends to the blog market.
♥Our hashtag is #FreshMarketFriday
[inlinkz_linkup id=636165 mode=1]
I’m linking up with Truth and Grace and #TellHisStory and Spiritual Sundays and Suzanne Ellers.