What if we all stopped laughing? Imagine what life would be like if there was no more laughter. I think it would be awful if I could not laugh.

It is my opinion that laughter is a wonderful experience, and I think we should look for reasons to laugh. I love laughing at myself, by myself, and with others. I especially love watching babies laugh.

I've been thinking a lot about laughing and what my life would be like if I couldn't laugh. I've had a lot of reasons not to laugh. I've experienced some not so funny seasons over the course of my life's journey. I’ve mourned and cried through loss, fear, failure, lack, insecurity, anger, and doubt—those battles were nothing to laugh about.

If I had let them my troubles would've stopped my laughter. My crushed spirit could’ve dried my bones many times, but, instead, my joyful heart proved to be good medicine. (See Proverbs 17:22.) I could've stopped laughing, but I didn't, and I'm glad.

I am thankful God has given me the strength to laugh in spite of my burdens. And I'm thankful I haven't had to laugh alone. I'm thankful for the friends and family God has given me who have enjoyed laughing with me.

Maybe you're feeling a bit crushed in your spirit. Maybe you've been mourning and crying in the midst of a troublesome season. Yes, there is a time to mourn and to cry, but there is also a time for laughter. Maybe you've noticed that you've stopped laughing. If you ask Him He can give you the gift of laughter and the strength to laugh in spite of your burdens. It's still okay to laugh, and you don't have to laugh alone—I'll laugh with you.