“A
cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the
bones." (Proverbs 17:22 NIV)
Something that the Bible proclaimed
thousands of years ago, authorities in the field of science are confirming the
importance of a cheerful heart and the positive effects of laughter to our
mental and physical health.
"The researchers say that laughing apparently causes the endothelium,
the tissue that lines blood vessels, to expand, which increases blood flow.
Laughter may also improve arterial health by reducing mental stress, which
constricts vessels and cuts blood flow. ‘A healthy lifestyle’—researcher
Michael Miller tells—‘would include 30 minutes of exercise three times a
week, and 15 minutes of hearty laughter each day.’"
Our family
experienced a good bit of laughter during our recent time together over the
Christmas holiday season. One specific incident started as no laughing
matter really, but has ended up offering a cheerful heart to all we’ve
shared it with since. Several weeks ago my son, who was married a year ago
and lives in Birmingham, called and mentioned that his wife had been sick
and throwing up, but was feeling better assuming that it was something that
she had eaten. In my eagerness to become a grandparent, I mentioned it to
my husband, who is more eager than me. I asked if he thought it may
possibly be morning sickness. I didn’t want to jump the gun, but I was sure
to be on alert during their upcoming visit to Mobile.
On the second day of
their visit, we went to church early and my daughter-in-law came home and napped
for awhile. My husband and I exchanged looks in the kitchen in hopes that
she was tired because she was carrying our new grandchild. I was sure that
an announcement was soon to come. On Christmas Eve we were exchanging gifts.
I was sitting aside, without my reading glasses, opening a gift from my son
and daughter-in-law. As I opened the small package, I found a tiny silver
Pandora charm. I couldn’t believe it. It was a baby bootie. I thought What a clever way to make the announcement – a brag charm… I
yelled “What is this? What is this?” Everyone
in the room stared at me. My son walked over in a state of dismay and said,
“Mom, it is a Christmas stocking charm.”
I said, “What? I wanted a baby
bootie and in 9 months, I wanted a grandbaby.” Everyone in the room burst out laughing
and couldn’t believe my crazy mistake.
The story has
brought much laughter to all we’ve shared it with and I am thankful for a
wonderful family to enjoy and build memories. The Good News Version perfectly
relates the importance of laughter to our overall health and wellbeing.
It says, “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy
all the time.”
Michele
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