400 Laughs a Day

Week 2 - Day 8

"Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven' (Matthew 18:2-4).

Jesus said that we must be converted (changed) and become as little children. We can learn much concerning life attitudes from watching children. There are many attributes that children have which we need to embrace (trust, simplicity, adventuresome, being a dreamer, forgiveness, love, enthusiasm, etc.).

One other characteristic of children that separates them from adults is laughter. I have read in different places that children laugh an average of 400 times a day, while adults laugh only 15 times per day. When people get older, something happens which decreases laughter (and I propose to you that this "something" is not a good thing). Laughter's decline is not rooted in faith or intimacy with G*d; but it comes from stress, "growing up", unbelief, and religious tradition.

I suggest we make it our goal to laugh 400 times a day. It may take us years to reach that level, but at least we will know what our goal is. Some would say such an ambition is ludicrous and unimportant in the big picture of Christian living. I would disagree and say that laughter should be a regular discipline because it will enhance our longevity, health, mental well-being and strength. Hmm, maybe a merry heart is indeed good medicine; and maybe being converted to increasing laughter is a part of what Jesus meant in Matthew 18:2-4. What do you think?

Declaration: I am becoming more like a little child every day. I live in a wonderful world of new adventures and big dreams. I also laugh as little children laugh. I regularly chuckle, giggle, snicker, hoot, snort, guffaw*, chortle**, have hysterics, and double-up in hilarity.

* Guffaw - a loud and raucous laugh
** Chortle - noisy, gleeful laugh