One day when I was a single mom someone came up to me and commented, “Pam, you used to be funny.” And my reply was, “Well, life used to be funnier.” Sound familiar? I was reminded of that the other day when I read an article about how laughter promotes emotional health, and I couldn’t agree more.
Life can be stressful, but we need to consider this: laughter in our motherhood role is vital. It makes us more attractive to our kids. It creates a memorable atmosphere in our homes. It triggers physical changes in the body, dissolving distressing emotions and protecting us from stress. It strengthens our immune system and improves our mood. (Well, amen to that!) Goodness gracious, we need to amuse ourselves more with a good ol’ laugh ever once in a while. After all, it’s free. Cataloguing witty moments into our brain and then remembering them when we’re having a “not-so-funny day” lifts our spirit.
Take yesterday, for example. It was not a good day. I needed a slice humor in my system. Then this came to mind.
Rich and I were going to Colorado. Now, when I take a trip with Rich, he often likes to just pack and go, not knowing where we’re going or really staying, which by the way is typically NOT like him. He is so organized. As for me, I don’t really care. I just like getting out of town and letting him be the boss so I don’t have to think. Yet, on this one trip we were caught late at night and unable to find a hotel vacancy. I huffed and puffed about the fact he had not made better arrangements. Finally, the gas station attendant told us about a lovely resort five miles up the road in the hidden trees of the mountainside. We were both relieved and excited and off we went. We drove into the place and there is was—a beautiful lodge with multiple cottages. The perfect fit for our weary souls.
We checked into the facility with our hearts swelling with joy over the crisp mountain air and the coziness of the welcome center. The clerk smiled at us with a grin I’ll never forget! I thought, “Goodness, they are certainly THRILLED we are here! What’s up with that?” I guess it made me feel welcomed. I wasn’t sure, actually. All I knew was that the clerk seemed overly excited to see us join the place. Then with a sudden shock, Rich and I both realized why all the grins. We were in a nudist colony!
Yes, I love funny memories. On gloomy days I can pull one out of my memory bank and just let myself go there. It helps me put everything back into perspective. I’m convinced we often take life much too seriously when we just need to enjoy the funny experiences God brings our way.
And I know what you’re thinking. You want the end of the story. Right? YES, my friend. We left that place ASAP!
Proverbs 17:22 – Laughter is good medicine for your soul, but residing inside a broken spirit dries up the bones.
About Pam Kanaly
Aloha! I’m Pam Kanaly, President and co-founder of Arise Ministries. But actually, I think Arise found me wanting to bless single moms years ago. Ministry was never on my mind as a kid. All I wanted to be was a hula dancer. So Mother enrolled me in the tiny tots’ class. Guess God knew I’d have two grandbabies born in Hawaii. I love the great outdoors. You might even find me spending time with my husband grizzly bear watching or camping. In fact, it was on a turkey hunt that God gave me the name Arise Ministries in 2002. I suppose it’s a good thing that I majored in Grammar in college since I love to write words of encouragement to single moms.