There are probably times in all of our lives when we become overwhelmed and consumed by the burdens that fall upon us. We take things very “seriously” as we should as responsible individuals and expect the same from others. But there can be dangers in always taking things to extremes.

When I become so self-consumed and take everything I do so seriously and start to get that “lighten up Pete” look from others I’m reminded of a special verse in Scripture. Proverbs 17:22 reads: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.” NSRV

Laughter can provide a release from our problems, but at the same time can provide the strength to face them. We can find many examples of the benefits of laughter that are too great to ignore.

Author and humorist Barbara Johnson shares: “Laughter is like changing a baby’s diaper. It doesn’t permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for awhile.” I read somewhere the most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed.

Because of God’s say-so, you can go forth to
Think more clearly,
Feel more deeply,
Speak more truthfully,
Love more extravagantly,
Risk more boldly,
Serve more creatively,
Give more lavishly,
Live more abundantly.
And laugh more often.

– Pastor Pete Peterson

Contact Pastor Pete: pcubed@bizwi.rr.com

Church Email: g ethsemaneumc@bizwi.rr.com

Church Office: gumcsecy@bizwi.rr.com

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