The Power of Play, Laughter, and Being Childlike

Are you maturing into childlikeness?

Have you encountered God as playful?

Did you know there are secrets in life that only children discover BECAUSE they don’t see limits, but rather they see endless possibilities?

This week, I am encouraging you to play creatively and know the delights and wonders of God’s vast creative playground that can awaken something IN you that can ward off perfectionism and fear! Woohoo! And guess what? It’s FUN!!!!!

Did you know that laughter is medicine to the soul?

It’s true: Laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.

Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner. And above all, it makes you like Jesus who was anointed with joy ABOVE His companions (Hebrews 1:9).

With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health.

Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use. As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. But by seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness—and even add years to your life.

Joke… You know the difference between a religious and set free believer in the gym?

One of them has tight abs because of all the laughter and joy they are experiencing, while the other one doesn’t believe that laughter has any weight or value in their lives.. get it?

Let’s laugh at that!!!!

God laughs: "He who is in the heavens laughs" (Psalm 2:4)

God is not stressed out—when the enemy comes in like a flood—He laughs! The Trinity doesn’t worry about what’s happening because they have already assured us of the victory!

As I always say—when the enemy tries to get me discouraged, it’s time to laugh at that and not let fear control our narrative!

God Can Handle This—So Why are You Trying to Do It Alone?

Jesus said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light and you WILL find REST for your souls (Matt. 11:30). A "yoke" was often placed on an experienced ox alongside an untrained one. By taking on Jesus's yoke, you aren't carrying life's burdens alone; He walks right beside you, bearing the heaviest weight. When we laugh, we are letting go of any weight of worry or fear from the enemy and trusting in God’s strength to get us where we need to go.

What Happens When We Practice Laughter and Play in Our Lives?

Laughter is good for your health because laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

You Mean I Don't Have to Workout?

Laughter burns calories. Okay, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.

Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load as well. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment. Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.

So, your prescription this week from Mama T, here, is to laugh-laugh-play-play and mature into childlikeness!!

Remember to relax and let God’s love splash all over you!

-Theresa