Love, Peace and the Joy of the Lord Laughter heals, laughter soothes and laughter creates bonds

In Sunday school, we teach the children a little song that says: "I've got that joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart. I've got the love of Jesus down in my heart."

One day I found myself singing along enthusiastically and meaning every word with every fiber of my being. When I first married into a devout Christian family, it puzzled me the way my in-laws could dissolve into hilarious laughter over the most "unfunny things" especially when the source of their intense amusement was my father-in-law's predictable corny puns that he regularly dispensed at the dinner table. Was I missing something? Was I not privy to their private jokes? Was I a sour puss? I didn't get it.

I found the answer to my puzzlement after I observed the same phenomenon of unrestrained laughter among my church family at fellowship events.

Then one day it happened to me and my joy in being a child of God manifested itself in a perpetual state of readiness for laughter. I was absolutely giddy and had to fight for composure regularly. I found myself waking each morning with a sensation of "joyful bursting at the seams" regardless of whether or not the sun was shining. A joyful "Good morning, Lord" has become the way I start each day, eager to see what He has in store for me. You must realize what a transformation this is for me, who once expressed a wish to die.

Once, while visiting my daughter in Atlanta , I was privileged to be included as a passenger with several prominent Atlanta ministers as we traveled from the city to a revival meeting and fellowship dinner in rural Georgia . I had no idea what I was letting myself in for when I accepted the invitation to ride along. The atmosphere was one of total hilarity and it overflowed to me so that soon I too laughed without restraint as these men, who are so dynamic and dignified in their pulpits, "dissed" each other mercilessly. The vehicle rocked with hysterical laughter until we paused to collect ourselves so as not to be mistaken for a carload of drunken partygoers.

I have frequently seen this sort of "high" among Christians as they gather together, and I have discover that it stems from an awareness of being so richly blessed, and out of our love and enjoyment of each other.

If only the world could understand why we are so prone to laughter. If only the world could contract this epidemic hilarity as I have. If only I could show them how. My Christian friends are amused when I proclaim myself a "spoiled brat in the Lord" and maintain that He has fulfilled my every desire. Not that I have attained or aspired to attain the wealth of a Donald Trump. It is more that I feel as rich as any multi-billionaire and count my possessions every bit as satisfying and beautiful as the costly and lavish trappings of the exceedingly rich.

During the 60's, I, like so many others, exchanged greetings and partings saying "Peace and love." I dreamily maintained that what the world needed most was love. Now, decades later, I am even more enthusiastic about spreading love, but in a different way. Others wonder how I go from day to day so serenely, and I have amazed myself at my own capacity to express love and forgiveness even to those who have hurt me deeply. I can only attribute this capacity as coming down from "the Father of Lights." The God of the universe who sent Christ Jesus to live and create laughter in my heart.

Laughter - A Gift from Above

I've seen children
Moved to laughter
Just by looking
At each other
I've heard a baby
Belly laughing
As its tickled
By its mother
The Lord has given
All of us
The capability
For creating
And participating
In hilarity
For it is at the precious moment
When helpless laughter starts
That a space for child-like innocence
Is opened up within our hearts.
Copyright 2002 Rosemary Sinclair