It’s been said that the average child laughs two hundred times a day, while the typical adult laughs only four times every twenty-four hours. What has happened to us grown-ups? Maybe it has something to do with those grueling hours at the office, long lines at the grocery store, and piles of bills on the kitchen counter.
Of course, life can be very difficult, and some people face serious obstacles and hardships. But many of us frown or complain over relatively minor inconveniences. I knew a woman who made herself and her husband miserable just because she had one more child than she had bedrooms in which to put them. Too many irritations come from a complete inability to appreciate the humor and blessings that exist around us.
When your husband forgets to take the kids to their dentist appointment, or your wife accidentally gives away your favorite sweatshirt, or your toddler draws his version of the Mona Lisa on the living room wall—wouldn’t it be easier on everyone if you looked on the funny side of the situation?
Kevin Jones, dealing with increasing paralysis from Lou Gehrig’s disease, was asked to describe the worst thing about his condition. He replied, “My wife’s driving! She has to take me everywhere.”
No matter what you’re facing, a smile can only make it better.
Levity and lightheartedness are glue that holds family members together. Families willing to laugh at funny stories about growing up are sure to forge a strong bond for the tough times.
Another mother wrote us about a little miscommunication involving her preschooler: “Perhaps there should be a uniform word for ‘potty’ when children have to go to the bathroom. My three-year-old has been taught to refer to that act as a ‘whisper.’ Well, his grandfather came to visit us, and in the middle of the night my son came to his bed and said, ‘Grandpa, I have to whisper.’ Not wanting to awaken his wife, he said, ‘Okay. Whisper in my ear.’” So the little boy did.
God created us with a sense of humor for a reason. He wants us to use it.
When you’re in desperate need of a laugh, you might start a humor file filled with surefire tummy ticklers. Here are a few to get you started, all reported to be genuine entries from church bulletins:—Tonight’s sermon: “What Is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice. —Barbara remains in the hospital. She is having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack’s sermons. —The choir will meet at the Larsen house for fun and sinning. —Next Thursday will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get. —Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It is a good chance to get rid of things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands!
Laughter is healthy for families. We ought to be able to joke with each other without having to worry about getting an angry overreaction in response. But some humor can be destructive. If your partner is sensitive in a certain area—weight, appearance, intelligence, a specific skill—avoid poking fun at that tender spot. If your child has an embarrassing characteristic, such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking or stuttering, tread softly. Never ridicule.
It’s great to laugh—but it’s also wise and loving to occasionally check what motivates your humor, where it’s aimed, and how it’s received. If the person you’re having fun with isn’t having fun, then it’s not real fun at all.
For Christians, it’s not just how we look at things; it’s at Whom we’re looking. Couples who keep Jesus Christ as Lord of their home seem to laugh more often and cultivate hope in their marriages more easily. Why? Because when Jesus carries the weight of your worries, your needs, and your future, lighthearted living is the natural result.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
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From Dr. Dobson’s book, Night Light For Couples
For over 30 years, Dr. James Dobson has been America’s trusted source for psychologically sound, biblically based advice to help strengthen marriages, parents and families. For more practical help and encouragement, visit:
http://drjamesdobson.org
