Laugh Often

There is an appointed time for everything. There is a time … to laugh.
~Ecclesiastes 3:4

Dear Molly,

I hope laughter will be beautiful music played throughout your marriage. Laughter’s melody is catchy and light-hearted, causing the worries and stresses of life to unwind and lighten. Your laughter together will become sweet harmony not only to your souls but also to all those who hear it. Laugh often with Ryan, your partner of “music.”

I also encourage you to laugh often at Ryan, in an uplifting way, of course. Even if you have heard the same joke for fifteen years, still chuckle. (I chuckle in amazement that Mac is still telling these jokes!) You are your husband’s audience, so laugh. I am convinced this is one reason Mac picked me to be his wife – my gullibility to fall for a joke, and my laughter at his jokes, was just what he needed to keep on performing (God help me). Remember, humor in a marriage brings harmony to the home.

And then, I encourage you to laugh at yourself. Laugh at the burnt chicken (the burnt pizza, the burnt grilled cheese, the burnt green beans that are shellacked to the bottom of the pan). Laugh at locking your keys in your running vehicle which contains your groceries and your bewildered babies (you may need to cry first on this one). Laugh at showing up for your child’s friend’s birthday party a week early or a week late (I’ve done both). Choose to laugh at your imperfections instead of sinking under them. Your mistakes do not define you. They may humble you a little bit, but Jesus Christ defines you. And Jesus is JOY! And joy from within becomes bubbling laughter.

I pray you and Ryan will continually seek true joy in your marriage. As you do, others will want to join in with your sweet melodious tune.

Love, Chris

“God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.”
~Genesis 21:6

Our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful singing … “The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.”
~Psalm 126:2-3