Laugh Again

Maybe it’s time to laugh again I heard someone say. I think he is right. It is indeed time to look at life from a perspective other than today’s traffic report or the evening news. It is time to give the child within us permission to look at life and laugh again. It is time we realize that life was meant to be enjoyed, not endured.

Remember how we once were when we were children? When everything we saw was fun and funny? And every new experience was a great adventure? That nobody could hurt us bad enough to make us want to sulk and mope all day? We’d snap out of it just as quickly as we finished off our fries. That we’d crouch on our knees to peer at a caterpillar in the bush? That an iced bar in hand had every friend’s tongue licking on it, too? Such generous and open hearts we had. Such thirst for wonder and adventure. Where did that all go now? When did everything get so serious? It’s simple. At some point between that age of childhood and right now-- we lost it, because life has become a race to be responsible adults. I won’t argue that because how else can we cope with life if we can’t be responsible living it. But who says becoming a responsible adult means a long face and a boringly serious attitude toward life?

True those tough times are upon us. The issues we all face are both serious and real. And in the world of reality, not everything is funny so most people would say. Are they saying then that we have no business laughing and enjoying life? And in the course of living a responsible life, we should sacrifice the ability to laugh and junk the gift of joy and look glum because we’re adults? I hope they don’t teach that in the classrooms or we will be having a planet of zombies.

So how about we try it differently this time and put the smile back on our faces. It’s time to laugh again. Even the Lord loves a cheerful heart. Let’s take back what we have lost. See the world through childlike eyes with a mind always seeking new wonders and adventure, a heart always trusting and believing. Let’s learn to enjoy once more a beautiful sunrise, the innocence and laughter of our children, the myriad colors of a rainbow, the pleasures of our friendships, the fun of surprises, and the assuring warmth and love of our families. Let’s get back the ability to seek out the good and too pluck out the hidden pearls of joy sprinkled down the road of our life in this crazy world. Let us once more learn to delight in these simple pleasures and so make ourselves a lovely day each day of our lives from now on.