The Gift of Laughter

"Now Sarah said, ‘God has brought laughter for me. ...’" (Genesis 21:6)

One day Michael and Bonnie had a heated discussion about who would live the longest. Mike stated with assurance, "I’m going to live a hundred million years."

"That’s nothing," Bonnie rejoined triumphantly. "I’m going to live from now to maternity."

"Living until maternity" was a family joke for years. Along with countless other moments of laughter, it has enriched and blessed our lives. Recalling such old jokes has been a comfort to us in our times of sorrow, a means to apologize for an unintended slight, an entry point for family togetherness after emotional separation.

Our children, or those of friends, have given us the gift of laughter more times than I can count. They remind me that a chuckle passed along to someone else who is feeling blue is probably worth more than all our bouquets or platitudes.

I’ve often wondered if Sarah conceived in her old age because she stopped complaining and laughed at God’s gift. A laugh can change our attitude about a lot of things. After all, Sarah lived until maternity.

Beyond the Door
1. Recall a time when a child in your life stopped you short with his or her "humor-with-wisdom."

2. Did your parents, or others in your family, ever tell you about a humorous word of wisdom that came from your mouth as a child? Is so, what was it? Reflect on it and talk about the experience with a friend. Ask your friend for a like example from her life.

3. Make this kind of sharing a circle activity next time your group meets, and talk about the role of laughter in your life and faith life.

4. Do you think Jesus has a sense of humor? What makes you think so?

5. Do you think God has a sense of humor? What makes you think so?

6. Why do you think people say, "Laughter is good for the soul"?