Years ago, I taught one year of kindergarten before “graduating” to fourth grade. One aspect of that year proved especially delightful: the humorous things those five year-olds would say. I started writing them down, to enjoy again in the future. The future is now!
For example:
Alice and Lisa spent most of recess one day digging a hole in the sandbox. “We digged so deep,” Alice said, “we could hear the people in China walking around.”
After giving instructions for an art activity, I asked if anyone had a question. Lee raised his hand to inquire, “What’s the capital of North Dakota?”
Megan was recuperating from strep throat. She informed me, “I could have gotten dramatic fever.”
Lauren asked me one day, “Mrs. Ruegg, what’s your last name?”
Such moments were pure fun-shine, lighting up my spirit.
Did you know scientific study is discovering that laughter provides a number of health benefits? (Just as research has proven the benefits of happiness, as we considered in the last post.)
You see, laughter enhances your intake of oxygen as you breathe more deeply. That, in turn, positively impacts your heart, lungs, and muscles.
Laughter releases endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are one of the brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that send electrical signals through the nervous system. When stress or pain occurs, endorphins are released. They help reduce the impact of such factors on the brain. Endorphins lead to a feeling of euphoria, and laughter is a big contributor.
Laughter also…
…reduces stress and generates a relaxed feeling.
…helps dispel depression and anxiety, thus improving our moods.
…fosters connection with other people.
Once again, secular research is proving what scripture has said all along:
“A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).
But there is no need to invest in joke books, watch humorous You-Tube videos, or teach kindergarten! You’ll receive a healthy dose of cheer in these ways, too:
Possibility #1: Spend time with positive people.
Research indicates up to 80% of our laughter is not generated by funny movies or comedians on Sirius radio. Most laughter occurs during everyday comments in everyday social situations.
Another fact proven by research: most positive people have a sense of humor. It would stand to reason that Christians should be the most positive people around. Spend time with positive, Christian people and you’ll no doubt find yourself laughing frequently.
Possibility #2: Celebrate the small joys as well as the monumental.
Psalm 126:1-3 relates the experience of exiles returning from captivity in Babylon to Israel. They laughed and sang for joy, feeling as if they were living a dream.
“The Lord has done great things for us,” they cried, “and we are filled with joy” (v. 3)!
Sometimes we, too, laugh and shout spontaneously at the announcement of good news—acceptance to that university of choice, a job promotion, a new baby on the way.
But the Lord does great things for us frequently. The more I celebrate his goodness, the more joy and laughter I’ll experience.
Just the other day, I was washing dishes (Such a boring, unpleasant chore!) when a large, black and yellow butterfly fluttered by the window. To be honest, I didn’t laugh or sing out loud, but my heart was overjoyed just the same. That butterfly felt like a little love-gift from God, making that moment at the sink less burdensome.
Throughout each day, we would do well to follow David’s example: “I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart. I’m writing the book on your wonders. I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God” (Psalm 9:1-2, The Message).
Possibility #3: Revel in God’s presence.
Psalm 16:11 reminds us that God fills us with joy in his presence. Just conversing with him throughout the day can be incredibly uplifting.
Brother Lawrence, in The Practice of the Presence of God (Whitaker House, 1989), suggests that we tend to stifle joy by spending only brief moments in worship.
“If God can find a soul filled with a lively faith, he pours his grace into it in a torrent that, having found an open channel, gushes out exuberantly.”
That exuberant gushing out of God’s grace, that bubbling overflow of all his glorious riches into our lives—might it take the form of rejoicing laughter sometimes? I think so.
Karl Barth, that great theologian of the twentieth century, might agree with me.
He said:
“Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.”
(photo credits: www.marciaballestero.com ; www.sciencemadefun.net ; www.positivemindconsulting.com ; www.sallyandsam.blogspot.com ; www.powerfulintnetions.org ; www.izquotes.com )
From the Inside Out 
For years I have signed all letters and emails with this
Peace, Joy and always Laughter..it is a good way to start the day in His service
Oh, yes! Think of it: with Jesus, every day can be filled with His peace, joy, and laughter! Thank you for stopping by, Loraine, with your wise reminder.
Thanks, and AMEN
Our Living Love SS class is like that we share so much, and laugh a lot.
And Pastor Steve sure knows how to make us laugh. We are blessed.
Love Tedi
Laugh–Love–Live. Seems like I’ve seen a poster with those words. Laughing and loving do indeed augment life! Thank you for sharing, Tedi.
This post made me smile. Great photos too. Yes finding joy in all the little things throughout the day is essential. Have you heard of the laughter clubs? I read about them but never tried them. would be fun
‘So glad I could make you smile, Jean. I have not heard of laughter clubs! Sounds intriguing. What do you know about them?
I taught kindergarten for 26 years here in Pasco County. I feel it was a true calling of God. I got a lift for my spirit that I needed many, many times. I wish I had written some of the things down. Today on FB were posted many “first day of school” pics. Two of my favorites were: a pic from 18 years ago of one of my eager kindergartners at FHES. The other was of this same young lady ready for her first day as a teacher at FHES, with the same smile across her face. The kid’s laughter still rings in my ears.
How gratifying to see a previous student become a teacher herself! I knew you had been teacher, Rita, but I didn’t know you logged so many years in kindergarten. God bless you for the important life lessons you taught those little ones, because it is true: everything we need to know in life we learned in kindergarten!
Such a lovely and positive post, Nancy – always good to remember the positives. Pollyanna had a bit of wisdom going on in her ‘glad’ game! Hard, sometimes, but worth persevering.
You are so right, Frances: it is very hard, sometimes, to focus on the positives. A few years ago I experienced a rough patch, and struggled to keep my thoughts on the noble, lovely, praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8). But the fight helped me learn perseverance, trust, and self-control. Not that I’ve completed the course in those subjects! But that difficult time definitely taught me how to renew my mind when negativity comes to call. Praise God that he continues to work on me!
Oh,Nancy this was timely for me, as I can use a little bit of laughter in my life right now. I especially liked the part about a ‘dramatic fever’ and “Mrs. Ruegg, what’s your last name?” I’m cracking up just typing that.
SO glad the kindergarten humor brought you laughter, Jody–just when you needed it. Praise God! I pray that the new mercies of this new morning have you rejoicing in God’s provision.
I love laughter, when we have a smile on our face, it is amazing how we get a smile sent back. Thanks Nancy for this uplifting post. God bless you.
Oh, yes. Smiles and laughter beget more smiles and laughter. And the more we laugh and smile, the better we feel! Thank you for the smiles and laughter you’ve given me, Laura. You’re always an uplift!
This posting about Laughter was such a natural progression from the last one about Happiness. I smiled the whole time I was reading about Laughter. There is nothing like a really good out-loud laugh that goes through your whole being. It clears the cobwebs and lightens your being. I, too, loved the shares about ‘dramatic fever’ and the child asking what your last name is! Priceless, for sure. Thanks once again for a marvelous uplifting post!
You’re welcome, Cheri. Laughter does go a long way to alleviate stress. Praise God for the gift of laughter!