Ecclesiastes 3: 1,4 - To everything there is a season, a time for a purpose under heaven (v.1); A time to weep, a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance (v.4)
My best friend sent me a few pictures over the past couple of weeks that I didn’t even realize she captured, and every pic was of me in a state of deep laughter. I’m not sure if her intent was to brighten up my day, but receiving those pics surely made my heart smile. There is nothing like a good ole’ belly laugh. I love to laugh; in fact, I was the kid who always got caught laughing in school. Like, I would completely blow the cover because I couldn’t contain my laughter. And I’m that person that will bring up a “remember when” story and laugh about it all over again. Some of my fondest memories involved laughing until I cried moments. Today, I want to remind you to laugh more, laugh often, and on purpose. Whatever it is that makes you laugh, do that. If it’s a good sitcom, turn it on. If it’s a convo with a good girlfriend, pick up the phone. If it’s scrolling through old pics or looking through a photo album, do that too. Laughter costs us nothing, and there are several added benefits:
Laughter has several physical, mental, and social health benefits. However, here are a few fun facts about laughter: It can strengthen your immune system, boost your mood, diminish pain, and protect you from stress. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and helps you release anger and forgive sooner. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm
Looking back at pics and/or reflecting on those “remember when” moments, are indicators of past good times. So even if you are not in the happiest mood today, be encouraged by the reflection of the fun times and know that joyous occasions will come again! As the scripture says, there is a season and a time for every purpose. We will have our times of weeping, for sure. There will be times of mourning and stressful times. But we can find gratitude in the times of laughter. Because through the tough times, God can meet us with joy (Psalm 30:5)! And I don’t know about you, but that is certainly something worthy of gratefulness 💕 Love you. Be blessed!
