21 years old in Nashville TN. I found myself sitting in a little coffee shop by myself one evening patiently waiting for my coffee, and ready to be entertained by a little band from Canada by the name "Hocus Pick". The band had just taken to the stage, and without hesitation they began their set of rock and worship music. Many of the coffee drinkers stood to their feet and vocalized their excitement as they watched the band perform. Me on the other hand? I just sat there watching them. I didn't stand, clap, hoot, or holler. I must have looked like a young grump. That was, until they began to sing a song that made me consider turning my frown upside down.
It was a humorous song called "Learn to Laugh". The group began pointing out individuals in the audience while singing "Your really need to learn to laugh". They were quite funny as they hopped around the stage making funny faces and doing their best to make everyone laugh. Truth is they were doing a great job as most of the coffee drinking crowd was laughing in a riotous cackle. And me? Well the song really made me think about the joy I had in my life. Truth is, they were right I really did need to learn to laugh. I don't know why I was so serious at a such a young age, but one thing I knew for sure; things had to change.
These days I seem to joke about anything and everything that I can. The difficult part these days isn't that I don't laugh, it's knowing when to shut the laughter off . Which may not be such a bad thing, except for last week when I got a case of the giggles while officiating at a funeral service...Not Good!!!
As many of us look around the world and quite possibly underneath our own roofs it's easy to see that much of the world has lost their joy. The things that used to make us smile just seem to go over our heads. The joy that we used to find in life has become lost in the mix of life's pressing circumstances, and that laugh? Well there isn't much time for laughter is there? But listen, we mustn't remain in this unhappy state; It's time to learn to laugh.
1) We need to purpose to laugh
When I was a kid, I'd always wake up early in the morning to watch cartoons; The Little Rascals, Dennis the Menace, Garfield, and any other cartoon on television that I could find. I watched these cartoons for one purpose- to laugh! We need to take a lesson from children a purpose to laugh, weather we're watching a wholesome comedy, reading the funnies, or telling a joke or two. We need to laugh every day on purpose.
2) Enjoy your family
If you have kids then you know that kids say and do things that are absolutely hilarious. After a long day many of us are tired and honestly feel like sitting down in front of the TV and vegging out. Instead purpose to spend that time with your family, watching your children play, and playing with your children. You'll find that their zeal and awe for life is contagious, and before you know it, you'll be smiling and laughing as if you we're a kid too.
3) Limit your exposure to negative media
This morning I turned on the TV and the first image that popped on the screen was a news flash that read "Baby in critical condition after being dragged by tow truck". It set my attitude for the morning. I was instantly filled with sadness, anger, and a heart of heaviness replaced my joyful heart. I think it's safe to say that this has happened to everyone of us. Turn on the TV and we'll see negative media, open up a newspaper and what will we see? Negative media! We know this negative media is there even before we approach the television, or open up the newspaper. And though I agree it's good to know what's going on in the world, I also believe we need to limit our exposure to this kind of media.
4) Read Scripture
Learning to laugh is more than just watching cartoons, and refraining from watching negative media. Learning to laugh is about finding joy even in the midst of our contrary circumstances. It's about believing and adapting God's report on our life, rather than believing and adapting to how our life may appear in the moment. We need to read the scripture, and realize that God has a plan for our lives; to give us hope. (Jeremiah 29:11). We need to read the scriptures which will teach us, encourage us, and train us as to how we ought to live; equipping us for every good work (2Timothy 3:16). Just knowing what God has to say about you and I in scripture is more than enough to bring a smile to our faces no matter what circumstances we may find ourselves in. So what more can I say but read, read, and then read again.
5) Pray
Thousands upon thousand of people everyday see counselors, doctors, and psychiatrists to talk out things about their life. Although I am not opposed to seeking help from a trained professional if this is something that you're in need of. I don't want to discount the counselor we have with us every day (Isaiah 9:6). God is always with us and ready to hear our prayer, answer our prayer, lighten the load of our heavy heart, and give us rest (Matthew 11:28). The Lord just asks that we'd come to Him when we need help, and lay our needs, our problems, and our desires at His feet; fully trusting Him with our life.
But if we'd start with these five things, I believe the rest will come to us on an individual basis.
Proverbs 7:22 A Merry heart does good like a medicine.
Visit www.joeprainito.com for more information about Pastor / Speaker / Author Joe Prainito and how you can purchase his books "Climbing the End of Your Rope" and "Living and Dying Without Regret".
