“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” (Eccles. 3:4 ESV)

Why did the chicken cross the road?

There are lots of funny answers and variations to why the chicken crossed the road. Such as, “Why did the chicken run across the road, roll in the dirt, and run back across?” The answer, “Because it is a dirty-double-crosser.” Just a reminder here that humor is very subjective. Whether this joke is funny or not to you, laughter is a wonderful gift that God has given and it is good like medicine (Prov. 17:22). And according to the Mayo Clinic, laughter is a great form of stress relief, and that's no joke. Here is more of what they say about laughter's benefits. 

Laughter’s short-term benefits

A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:

·       Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.

·       Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.

·       Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.

Laughter’s long-term effects

Laughter isn't just a quick pick-me-up, though. It's also good for you over the long term. Laughter may:

·       Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.

·       Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.

·       Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.

·       Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your stress, depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier. It can also improve your self-esteem.

Laughter is a gift from God

·      God will fill your mouth with laughter

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.” (Job 8:21 ESV) 

·      Laughter from great things God has done

“Then 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 ESV) 

·      God will make laughter for you

“And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” (Gen. 21:6 ESV)

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.” (Job 8:21)

Therefore

“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” (Luke 6:21 ESV)