Posted August 31, 2015 by Pam Kanaly
I read an article the other day. It shared how laughter promotes emotional health. I recall 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?
So why incorporate laughter into our motherhood roles? 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 protects 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. After all, it’s free. We need to train ourselves to search for witty moments and catalogue them in our brain so that we can bring them to mind when we’re having a “not so funny day.”
Just like yesterday for me; it was not a good day. So I made myself remember a trip I took with Rich years ago just so I could add a slice of humor into my system. After all, it’s easy to get off balance.
It was 2013 and Rich and I were going to Colorado. Now, when I take a trip with Rich, he likes to just PACK AND GO, not knowing where we’re going or really staying. We just wing it. 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. I recall us getting caught late at night not being able to find a hotel vacancy. I huffed and puffed that he had not made better arrangements. Finally, the gas station attendant told us about a lovely resort 5 miles up the road in the hidden trees of the mountain. We were both relieved and excited. Yes, we found it – drove into the place – and there is was…a beautiful lodge with multiple cottages – the perfect fit for these 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 attendant smiled at us with a grin I’ll never forget! I thought, “Goodness, they are certainly THRILLED we are here!” I guess it made me feel welcomed. I wasn’t sure, actually. All I knew was that the attendant 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 yucky 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 laughs God brings our way.
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.