This class clown is laughing again

The gift of laughter is perhaps life’s most precious gift – short of life itself.

The ability to turn the edges of the mouth up with a twinkle in the eye starts at the first congnitive stages of a baby’s life. She looks into your faces and waits for a sign of joy, and then she lights up.

Throughout life we pay people to entertain us, we gravitate toward those who make us happy, and we find ways to sharpen our sense of humor. We love to laugh, yet so few do, burdened by the seriousness of this world.

Here’s a secret. I was voted both Most Likely to Succeed AND the Class Clown in high school. My mother was proud of me, then not. That kind of mixed message has dogged me my whole life.

At one point last year, I realized it had been months since I had a good belly laugh. Relationship difficulties, work pressure and financial issues had robbed my life of joy.

So I began to embrace those who really did love me without condemnation. I learned how to love books and fishing, quiet mornings and talks with God.

Photo by cxg231

I found great joy in being around those who love laughter. They remind me to loosen up ... and laugh.

Recently I saw a home movie at church. Some people had gone into the dark, grim reality of a South African slum with a camera. They came out with images of poverty -- and children everywhere, laughing, hollering and smiling. The lesson I learned was that laughter is totally independent of your circumstances. In fact, the worse off you are, the more you need to laugh.

Once again, I'm living the life as the successful clown.

Writing in community with Deidra @ Jumping Tandem as part of The High Calling writing project on laughter.