I love to watch people at airports, malls and even
at our church. I wonder, what got them here? What
attracted those two people to be together at this
time? What makes that one tick or that one over
there work so hard? And sadly, I wonder where has
all the laughter gone?
Studies show that children laugh approximately 400
times per day while adults laugh as little as 15
times a day. Studies also show that laughter helps
lower blood pressure, strengthens immune systems,
and helps lower stress hormones. There are no
known studies of negative side effects to
laughter. No wonder we have a health crisis on our
hands. But, my question is, "What does it do to
the Spirit?"
I may be wrong here in my observation, but it
seems that Christians are the unhappiest of them
all. Mad at God, life and the dog it seems. At
the very least are not accustomed to wearing a
smile. Dave Stone talked last week in his sermon
that based upon what we are taught about eternity
and what it will bring us, believers should be the
happiest people on earth. Can you remember the
last time you laughed so hard your stomach ached
and you just couldn't stop? Can you remember when
you even laughed at all?
I consider myself to be a happier person than
most. I have endured many hardships in life
whether of my own demise or just life. I chose to
pull myself each time back up from the gutter.
Mostly, because God has blessed me with a gift of
encouragement, discernment and the ability to
motive myself and others. Here are five
suggestions I have for making your life filled
with more laughter and happiness in a negative
world.
Watching TV less or not at all. TV is a
meaningless habit of filling your brain with tons
of negative information. Read a book or start a
"creative" hobby instead.
Be very selective on who you spend quality time
with outside your family. Whether you realize it
or not certain people can bring you down, we do
become like those we hang around. Join an ABF
class or an activity at the center.
Force yourself to get out of your boat of daily
habits. We tend to go to work the same way, eat
the same foods, park in the same parking lot at
church, and sit in the same section to. Try new
things you'll be surprised how it will affect you.
Have a career not a job. Do something you love to
do in life for money. You may say, this is not my
choice or easier said than done, but I disagree. I
get paid a good living motivating people to
exercise. How silly is that? I created my career
for me, you can to. I laugh everyday going to work
because I love what I do so much. You can start
today by asking God for help.
The last one, yet most important of them all that
will bring more peace and laughter to your life
is; Turn the "control" of your daily life over to
Jesus Christ. We put all the pressures of life on
ourselves and for what. Jesus died for us and bore
all our burdens. As believers we should be the
happiest people on earth. We don't have much time
down here left make the best of it. Jesus Christ
wants us to be happy and have laughter in our
hearts. Studies will also show you that people
live longer and healthier with great attitudes so
remember, "He who laughs??.lasts!"
Father,
Thank you so much for bearing all of our burdens
for us by your death on the Cross. Help us father
to be happier people. Encourage us to spend our
time and efforts wisely and enjoyably while we are
on this earth. Also Father we pray that you will
give us peace and happiness during this up-coming
holiday season. We pray this in your will and
name. Amen
Greg Ryan is a best selling author of the Changing from the INSIDE OUT series. A powerful five step plan to better your life, get healthier, and have more energy! For FREE mini Course click here! http://www.resolutions.bz