There are way too many homes in America where there is no laughter. There is only stress, conflict, fear, and loneliness. The Bible says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones" {Proverbs 17:22} Science has proven that laughter is good medicine; imagine that! "Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use."
With divorce way too common, both parents working outside of the home, children being bullied at school and not learning much to make them happy about, and listening to a daily diet of news, no wonder our homes and families are in crisis. Our homes need to be founded upon the Rock. We need to dwell on the lovely and the good. Look for the beauty around you. Love your husband. I mean really LOVE him! Be affectionate and warm towards your children. Laugh together with them. Sing praise and worship songs showing to them the joy of the Lord!
The very first assignment I give women when I mentor them is to begin smiling at their husbands. The husbands usually respond to this VERY quickly. They begin to feel as if their wife actually likes them! Begin laughing at your husband's jokes! Watch funny shows on TV, if you can find any decent ones. No one enjoys being around a pessimist! Optimistic people are so much more fun. Your children will fondly remember growing up if there is a lot of fun and laughing in the home.
My Dad always said that my Mom's middle name was 'fun!' She loves to laugh and have fun. She still does at 84 years old! She thinks of life as one big playground. She's generous and loves to share with others. She hates anyone to feel left out or excluded. She's always included everyone!
God commands that we be joyful and the first step to being joyful is being thankful. Many times marriages are turned around when the wife begins dwelling on all of the good in her husband instead of his faults. Do the same with your children. Encourage them consistently and praise them when they do good.
Doing things as a family brings joy. Eat dinner together. Go to church together. Be together! Don't allow arguing and fighting in your home. Make your home a place of peace.
Laughter is your birthright, a natural part of life that is innate and inborn. Infants begin smiling during the first weeks of life and laugh out loud within months of being born. Even if you did not grow up in a household where laughter was a common sound, you can learn to laugh at any stage of life.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
and our tongue with singing:
then said they among the heathen,
The Lord hath done great things for them.
