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Is laughter contagious? Listen to this, and you decide. I don’t know about you, but every time I hear that, I can’t help but chuckle…so, join me today on Take 5 for some joyous, laughter therapy. This is Doug Flemming your host, and Take 5 is brought to you by the Church of the Nazarene. The following story from “Chicken soup for the Surviving Soul” by Peter McWilliams may just brighten your day as it has mine…  Many years ago, Norman Cousins was diagnosed as “terminally ill.” He was given six months to live. He knew that worry, depression and anger in his life perhaps caused his disease. He wondered, “If illness can be caused by negativity, can wellness be created by positivity?” He decided to make an experiment of himself. Laughter was one of the most positive activities he knew. He rented all the funny movies he could find “ Keaton, Chaplin, Fields, the Marx Brothers. (This was before VCRs, so he had to rent the actual films). He read funny stories. He asked his friends to call him funny stories and jokes. Despite his great pain, he discovered that if he laughed for 10 minutes, he could still fall asleep. He fully recovered from his illness and lived another 20 happy, healthy and productive years. (His journey is detailed in his book, Anatomy of an Illness). He credits the love of his family and friends, and laughter for his recovery.  Laughter is essential to our equilibrium, to our well-being. If we’re not well, laughter helps us get well; if we are well, laughter helps us stay that way. After all, Scripture reminds us in Nehemiah 8:10 that, “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”

SONG:You Turn My Mourning Into Dancing / Happy Song

Scientific studies have shown that laughter is good for the body, mind and the emotions. So, laugh and smile as often as you can. The Bible is clear about the peace and joy that can be ours in Christ. If you want something to laugh about, remember that God promises to “wipe every tear from our eyes, to turn sorrow into dancing.” Laugh awhile and spread some joy to others today. May God bless you and keep you joyful in the Lord.