There are many serious matters of life that rightly need our solemn attention. And we’re also prone to take ourselves too seriously, which weighs our souls down with unnecessary burdens. The ministry of laughter lifts our spirits and brings a needed balance to our otherwise dry and heavy days.
Kids are typically easily amused. A simple silly song, dance, or expression can have them rolling with laughter and begging for more.
But this is often not the case as we get older. We tend to grow suspicious of such uninhibited expressions of joy – seeing them now as childish and immature.
But perhaps we need this ministry of laughter even more as we get older and must confront the many burdens and demands of life.
To be sure, this is not the shallow or demeaning laughter that seeks humor at the expense of others. Nor is it meant to merely dull and distract us from the important matters of life. While we can all use a break from time to time, the point here is not simply to escape.
Rather laughter ministers to our souls by showing us the joy and delight, the humor and the playful spirit we need to thrive.
For instance, we might laugh at our general human condition and the absurdities of life. Our gender differences, bodily functions, and sexual intimacy can also be sources of great hilarity and lighthearted playfulness.
In the end, while not all laughter is created equal, it remains true that a cheerful heart is good medicine to the soul. And our strength is drained when we only live with the heaviness of life.
The ministry of laughter cheers our hearts and gives us a needed balance throughout our life and relationships.
Let laughter cheer your soul – healing and empowering you to offer your strength freely to all those around.
Photo by Collins Lesulie on Unsplash
