What’s Your Laugh Quotient?

I heard a speaker say that children laugh 300 times per day compared to adults laughing 20 times. I’m not sure how scientifically accurate those statistics are, but I do know that children do have a flair for laughter. They tend to more carefree than adults and delight in the world around them. It seems, that as we age, laughter can get lost in all the complexities of life.

It makes me grateful to have the job I do. I have many moments in my day where laughter takes hold. My students and I find joy in many things – mostly joy in the journey we are taking together as a class.

One of the end of the year things that I have my students do is a memory book. It has pages for things like their favourite events and friendships. It also has a page to describe their teacher. Interestingly, a few of them describe me as funny.

I definitely try to diffuse difficult situations with a spirit of laughter. When things are tense it often helps to lighten the moment with some humour. I also do laugh quite regularly in class as I love my students and their antics.

One thing I have learned as a teacher is that my class frequently reflects my mood. When I am energetic and happy, my students often are as well. If I am grumpy or under the weather, my students’ mood can end up being similar.

It got me thinking of the kind of Christian witnesses we are. As believers in Christ, we are His face to the world. Regularly presenting a glum face doesn’t give unbelievers much of a reason to seek Jesus in their own lives. Why be a part of a group that is somber and unhappy most of the time?

I know, some days the thought of laughter seems a distant memory. We go through hard times. We cry and we lament. That is part of life. Yet, even in the hardships, we can have joy in the Lord with thanksgiving for all He has done for us. That is what should be represented in our faces.

Laughter is most certainly healing. It is a way for us to enjoy our lives and the loving Saviour who is the true source of joy. May we be able to be instruments of laughter, bringing joy to those around us.

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