The Gift Of Laughter

Floyd is doing okay.  After some people tested positive for COVID at his hospital, he was tested.  His test came back negative.  So, for the moment, he's fine.  We keep praying for protection for him, for the staff, and for the other patients.

I sometimes forget about how unusual some aspects of my life are here.  A couple days ago I was sitting in our living room doing some work on my phone.  I was very focused, and then suddenly looked up and out the window.  There on the railing of our front deck was a row of baboons - looking very "at home" and relaxed.  I was going to take a photo, but they decided to scamper away before I could.  I had a good laugh.

In fact, in the last few days I've had a number of good laughs.  It's reminded me of what a "gift" laugher is to us.  Just as the "gift" of tears can relieve stress and heaviness in our bodies, so the "gift" of laughter can release endorphins and make us feel happier and less stressed.

I remember reading about this when our daughter was sick for 6 1/2 years.  We would rent funny videos to watch to help bring "healing" to her.  It really did help!!  The endorphins that are released can actually relieve pain, make us feel less anxious, and reduce negative feelings.  A good laugh can expand the lungs and give a similar feeling to our bodies as a good exercise.

Proverbs 17:22 tells us that a "cheerful heart is good medicine."  It's not just a nice saying, it actually does impact our bodies.  As I've had some things I've laughed and smiled about in recent days - I could hear the Lord speaking encouragement to my heart through this.  In the midst of all the heaviness in our world today, I hope you can find ways to take of the "medicine" God has given us to lift some of the heaviness from your heart!  I have definitely felt some burdens lifted off my heart as I've smiled and laughed.

"He will fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting."  Job 8:21

"Our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.' "  Psalm 126:2

"Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh."  Luke 6:21

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come."  Proverbs 31:25

The benefit of laughter, of smiling is, once again, something I've known about......that the Lord has reminded me of very specifically in recent days.  It's helpful to be reminded of lessons we've learned but have not thought about in a while.  I'm so grateful for this.  I'm receiving His "medicine”.

I think I envy the people who have told me that they are enjoying the lockdown - that it's easy for them - that it's restful.  I have to admit that I find it a daily challenge.  It would be one thing if it was just the matter of isolation - but having to constantly battle all the physical implications of my fight with cancer makes it so hard.  I find I'm challenged on every level.  There's never a "quiet" moment.  And, of course, my heart is concerned for Floyd all the time.

I've read a number of articles that tell me that the things I'm facing are actually "normal" for many people - so I know I'm not alone in all this.  But the most important thing is that God keeps encouraging my heart.  He's reminded me that being weak is a good place to be - because then He can fully demonstrate His strength.  He is for me, He is with me, and He will meet my need for strength.  I don't need to worry about my weakness and lack of strength.

He's also reminded me of how important it is to keep hope alive in my heart.  Hope in Him won't let me down!  My hope in Him is based on His rock solid foundation.  It doesn't change with COVID.  It doesn't change with cancer.  It doesn't change when my husband is sick in the hospital.  It doesn't change when my family is far away.  Hope in Him, keeping hope alive in my heart, is powerful.  It will carry me through the daily challenges.

" 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."  2 Corinthians 12:9 

"There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."  Proverbs 23:18

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."  Psalm 62:8

"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off.  You sit still and trust the engineer."  Corrie ten Boom

Trusting in His strength to get me through each day, and keeping hope alive in my heart are promises that I hang onto as I continue on in our lockdown.