laughter

Laughter is a blessing. This was evident to me this week as Jason and I were attending pre-field education training. Jason and I; like many couples, have weird little odd things that probably only the two of us find hilarious. If I explain why they are funny they cease to be so but to us they always seem to make us crack up and can produce a smile even in the midst of tension. During one of the presentations at the conference I whispered one of these phrases to Jason. His facial expression made me burst into laughter and water squirted out of my nose. Of course, in the tradition of being me this was entirely inappropriate behavior for the given situation of listening to a serious lecture presentation (perhaps this is why I always had such a soft spot in my heart for the smart Alic kids in my classes- I am the worst of them all!). As I thought about why I cannot “control” myself by biting my lip I realized I do not want this behavior under raps. Laughter is healing, it opens my soul up to comfort, warmth, and love. My conclusion is not original at all as scripture teaches “A cheerful heart is good medicine” Proverbs 17:22.
To truly appreciate the richness of the laughter I share with Jason or anyone I love is not in need of strict jurisdiction or limits. Because of the challenges, vulnerability, and growth I have experienced in my life with Jason the laughter we share; even if ill timed and immature, is deep and beneficial to my soul.
“Mirth is God’s medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it.” ~Henry Ward Beecher

In the spirit of laughter I found this quote by a true genius of wisdom…..
Dad always thought laughter was the best medicine, which I guess is why several of us died of tuberculosis. ~Jack Handey, “Deep Thoughts”