Laughter - a solid tool!

Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. ~Victor Borge

One of the great things I am also thankful for is laughter. I am particularly thankful for is my wife's joie de vivre (spelling?). She loves to laugh, and it is infectious. Other people love to laugh at Ali's laugh. I love to hear her laugh. It has a neat effect in that it draws out of people a sense of connection- an opportunity to share a connection. Her laughter builds memories with people: "Remember that night we played the dice game at Pat and Ali's - that was so much fun." or "Remember when we saw that movie with Ali - it was unreal how giddy she got." I love it. It gives me pleasure to see Ali full of laughter and joy - it's infectious. Tonight we shared dinner with some friends and then played some games. All through the night we laughed a lot, at even the smallest of things such as our children's zany antics/habits, and at quirks we have ourselves. And, the more one of us laughed, the more the rest of us joined in.

I particularly love having a meal with my children and in the midst of the meal all six of us find ourselves laughing heartily at something one of us has said or done. We just get caught up in the moment and finish the meal with persistent giggles and a sense of family connection.

Have you taken them time to laugh today - really laugh? If you haven't, I would invite you to ask God to help you. Ask Him to open your eyes to the things around you that you see that are opportunities to laugh. Why? Because in these days when people are consumed with their lives - laughter can be a great tool to help foster a better perspective, a right frame of reference and a welcome interruption. It's hard to worry or have tunnel-vision when you are laughing. So, take the time to laugh and make mirth - people will be happy for the interruption. Laughter begets laughter.