From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
Life can be so depressing and discouraging at times, especially if we don’t have things to look forward to.
We are starting the month of November today and this month sometimes gives off a shade of grey.
You know, not the worst thing out there but nothing exciting, either.
Perhaps our lives just need a little bit more laughter. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Furthermore, Proverbs 15:13 says, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”
Writer and editor, George Leonard, has something to say about the benefits of laughter: “Without laughter, the rough and rocky places on the path might be too painful to bear. Humour not only lightens your load, it also broadens your perspective. To be deadly serious is to suffer tunnel vision. To be able to laugh at yourself clears the vision.”
For sure, there are times when seriousness is the right approach and is most appropriate.
However, if all work and no play made Jack a dull boy, as the 17th-century proverb asserts, then surely there is room in our lives for some levity and lightness to clear the way through the drudgery.
I know of a pastor with a very busy, international ministry that regularly watches Laurel and Hardy movies just to get the giggles going again.
So, be serious when you need to be serious, but don’t let every day be a trip to the cemetery.
Take time to smile and laugh!
