“Laughter is the most beautiful and beneficial therapy God ever granted humanity.“

Chuck Swindoll

My daughter has a quote book in which she records humorous antidotes from family and friends. Apparently, I am in there quite a bit. I’m choosing to take this as a compliment.

Some examples for posterity:

Me: “I wish I could go back in time and tell my five-year-old self to take those naps. ‘You’ll enjoy them when you’re older’ I would tell her. “

Emma: Would your five-year-old self listen?

Me: *Hesitates* “Nooooooooooo.”

I was a stubborn child, I probably would not listen to this advice, after all.

And:

Me: “Get out of the car, my sweet angels.”

Emma: “Your what? I didn’t quite hear that.”

Me: “Nice try. I’m not repeating that.”

Then there’s…

Me:  *Playing around*: “I’ve caught you! What can I do with you?”

Emma: “I dunno.”

Me: “Are you like a leprechaun? Will you give me lots of money?”

Emma: “No, if anything I will take your money.”

Yep, kids will usually do that.

And one last quote with her friend:

Friend: Oh, no my water broke!!

Emma: *Starts laughing. *

Friend: Wait, no! I meant my water bottle.

Humor is an essential quality in life. I’ve found myself in the ER still able to crack jokes to the nurses despite my pain. Humor helped me through my postpartum depression (before I realized what it was) as I recorded Whose Line Is It Anyway? and watched it through the night when my newborn son was waking up to eat every three hours.

I had this idea that spirituality and humor, however, was not compatible. I worried I wasn’t serious enough for the ministry. Then I met an Episcopal nun who pretty much gave a stand-up comedian routine mixed with facts about the history of the convent.

Later, I visited a Catholic monastery for a retreat. According to the memorial information and cemetery many nuns here lived to a very ripe old age. Quite a few were over 100 years old. So, I jokingly asked if they had a fountain of youth there. Without missing a beat, the nun replied, “We do. It’s the cookies we sell at the gift shop. Make sure you purchase a lot of them before you go home.”

While humor is often seen as a way to bring joy and laughter into our lives, its impact on our spiritual journey is often overlooked. In fact, one priest said it was important to have divine laughter in our lives. Mishaps occur while serving in church and it can be important at times to laugh it off and roll with the punches. We are only human after all.

Divine humor can break down barriers and allow us to let go of our ego, creating a sense of unity and openness.

In fact, divine laughter can also deepen our connection with the divine.

Cultivating Mindfulness through Humor

By engaging in humor, we are able to shift our focus away from our worries and concerns, becoming more present in the moment. Laughter creates a state of mindfulness, where we are fully engaged and connected with our surroundings. This heightened sense of awareness allows us to experience the divine in the ordinary and find joy in the simplest of things. We can open ourselves up to the present moment and its possibility for humor. It’s usually all around us if we pay attention.

Finding Laughter in Everyday Life

Make a conscious effort to seek out moments of laughter and joy in your daily life. Actively seek out funny movies or TV shows and indulge in activities that bring you joy. By actively seeking out laughter, you are inviting the divine into your life and creating space for spiritual growth.

Strengthening Connection with Others

Surrounding ourselves with family and friends who can make us laugh is important. Laughter has the power to dissolve feelings of separation and isolation, allowing us to connect with others on a deeper level. Through shared laughter, we can experience a sense of unity and belonging, strengthening our connection with the divine and fostering a sense of community within our spiritual journey. Our Triune God is all about relationships and encouraging community.

Embracing Playfulness

God gave us the Sabbath for worship, rest and play. Don’t forget to play! Feel free to approach your spiritual practices with a sense of playfulness and lightness. Don’t take yourself too seriously and allow room for spontaneity and laughter. Remember that spirituality is not about achieving perfection, but rather embracing the journey with all its ups and downs. By infusing humor into your practices, you can find joy in the process and cultivate a deeper sense of connection with the divine.

I focused on the scripture of Isaiah 64:8 as I played with playdough.

 “Yet you, Lord, are our Father.

  We are the clay, you are the potter;

  we are all the work of your hand.”

Isaiah 64:8, NIV

There are also soul collages and contemplative photography. Some people educate and play with the youth group. Find whatever brings you a sense of joy.

Humor is a powerful tool that can elevate our spiritual journey and bring us closer to the divine. By incorporating laughter into our practices, we can cultivate mindfulness, strengthen our connection in a community, and find joy in the present moment. Embrace the power of laughter and allow it to guide you on your spiritual path.

 “Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.“

Karl Barth

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