Laughter

I have already endured enough gloom and doom this year. Other than the “miracle on the Hudson” the news has been filled with dire predictions about the economy, unemployment, obesity, global warming, war, politics, and greed. Each day brings a story about someone losing their house or job or loved one. Yes, these things happen. Yes, I have empathy and sympathy. But please…let’s have a little balance. The Bible says “weeping endures for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Let’s have a little joy.

I’ve read before that during the Great Depression people flocked to the movies and dance halls. I understand that now- they had to escape to gain a little perspective. You can only listen to the tired reporters reporting the same tired statistics before you start to go a little nuts. Yes, times are tough. Yes, there are greedy corporate leaders. Yes, there are stupid people in charge of some pretty important aspects of the economy. But there are also some smart people around who are trying to repair the damages and help us move forward.  There are things all of us can do to help each other survive the changes and the problems that confront us. I am confident there will be more jobs and more houses and better times ahead.  Let’s have some hope.

I found this recently in my favorite old cookbook: “The laughter of girls is, and ever was, among the most delightful sounds of earth. Truly there is nothing sweeter or pleasanter to the ear than the merry laugh of a happy, joyous girl, and nothing dissipates gloom and sadness quicker, and drives dull care away like a good, hearty laugh. We do not laugh enough; nature should teach us this lesson, it is true; the earth needs the showers, but if it did not catch and hold the sunshine, too, where would be the brightness and beauty it lavishes upon us? Laugh heartily, laugh often, girls; not boisterously, but let the gladness of your hearts bubble up once in a while, and overflow in a glad mirthful laugh.” Welcome Encyclopedia of Cookery, 1890

Let’s all laugh a little.

 

Comments

[Megan]

I'm so glad to have "captured" a little girl of our own. The author is so right. To hear her laugh makes the three of us (Mom, Dad and older brother) stop and look at each other and smile. While it's a scary time to be a parent, it's also a great time to have little ones around.

[Karen]

I have a little girl who's laughter brings me joy everyday.