The Gift Of Laughter

The Gift of Laughter

For the happy heart, life is a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15

With other tired travelers who’d waited at the gate, Amy boarded a packed plane to fly to her mother-in-law’s house for Christmas. Her husband and three-year-old daughter were already there, but exams at the high school where she taught were late this year. She was just dozing off when the captain announced that they would be going through turbulence. No problem, Amy thought, cinching her belt tighter. But none of them were ready for the terrible jolt when the plane dropped suddenly, leaving most of their stomachs at the previous altitude.

The plane jumped back up, slammed down, then went up again. Anxiety grew as the lights went out and the passengers found themselves sitting in near darkness. Amy gripped her seat and closed her eyes. Please, Lord, don’t make my little girl spend this Christmas without her mother. Please let all of us reach our loved ones safely.

In the midst of the terror, from somewhere in the front of the plane came a giggle. With the next jolt the giggle turned into a little girl’s hearty laugh, and with each subsequent dip and rise, her laughter grew into one of those belly laughs only a child can produce. Row by row the feeling of joy seemed to creep through the plane. Soon the child’s laughter infected all the passengers, and their groans turned into oohs and aahs. People laughed and talked with one another and were almost disappointed when the captain announced they were clear of the turbulence.

The passengers began to quiet down, and then without warning, someone in the dark began to sing, “Silent night, holy night . . .” As strangers joined their voices, peace and hope surrounded them all. Amy never got a glimpse of the laughing little girl, but she was sure God had placed her on that plane to ease their fears. A gift from heaven, you might say. —CHERI

I can get so serious, Lord. Give me the gift of laughter, and let me give it away to lighten others’ loads and ease their fears.

Laughter is God’s medicine, the most beautiful therapy God ever gave humanity.

—ANONYMOUS