The Gift of Laughter

The whimsical artwork of Mary Engelbreit-another favorite artist of mine!
 A cheerful heart is good medicine, 

   but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

Last night I had the most wonderful time of laughter with my daughter.
My hubby was working until late as he often does, which meant it was a girl’s night.
No school the next day for my sweet girl, so some fun was definitely in order. 
I was grateful for the fact that we were able to laugh so hard together.
I had tears in my eyes. It was just complete abandon to the moment. 
A really random comment after two rounds of the game Trouble set it off. 
Our dog Banjo and we two girls
 were sprawled out on our King sized bed. That’s when it happened, Banjo was gnawing on various parts of his body as dogs sometimes will do. Not unusual but somehow, tonight that seemed funny. I am sure we bordered on what could only be described as mild “potty humor”; but our funny bones had been tickled and there was no turning back. When we were calm again after the fits of laughter and silly comments, we just lay together quietly smiling and snuggling. She said, 
“We haven’t laughed that hard in a long time”. 
“You’re right”, I replied, enjoying the closeness. Our beloved Banjo is none the wiser. At the end of the night, my tween girl, snuggled into her own bed and held out her arms, “Can I have a hug?”. 
As if there should ever be such a question. 
So today with a cheerful heart, I give thanks to God for the gift of laughter.

How it heals, binds up and brings closeness.
I am sure my Jesus did not hold back from laughing with children and adults.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

Published by enthusiasticallydawn

Dawn Paoletta is the author of Journaling for Discovery and Delight. Her writing is included in several anthologies and her poems have been included in the Wickford Poetry and Art Exhibit and Books. Dawn is currently working on her next book. Inquiries at dawn.paoletta@gmail.com

4 thoughts on “The Gift of Laughter

  1. Dawn: There was a time when I really didn't laugh. When I attended a Gaither-Praise Gathering with some friends. I found myself really cutting loose. The friend who invited me told me late that night that it was nice to hear me laugh, again. I was thankful for the gift of laughter that Thanksgiving. Now,I find myself almost looking for something to make me laugh each day.

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