Comedian John Branyan said, “We didn’t think up laughter; that wasn’t our idea. That was given to us by God who knew we were going to need it to get through life. Because He knew we were going to have hardship. He knew we were going to have struggles. He knew…stuff was going to happen…. Laughter is a gift.
A quick look at the creatures God made can bring
laughter, whether because of their oddities (such as duck-billed platypuses) or
antics (such as playful otters). He made mammals that live in the ocean and
long-legged birds that can’t fly. I’ve always like to say that God clearly has
a sense of humor. Because were created in His image, we too have the joy of
laughter.
We first see the word laughter in the Bible concerning
Abraham and Sarah. In last week’s Torah portion God promised this Abraham a
child: “The word of YHVH came to him in
reply, ‘That one shall not be your heir (i.e. Eliezer-gg) ; none but your very
own issue shall be your heir. [Then in the vision, God] took him outside and
said, ‘Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count
them”—continuing, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” (Genesis 15:4-5) In this
week’s parasha, Vayera, when Sarah
finally gave birth at 90 years old, Abraham named their son Yitzkhak-Isaac,
which means “laughter.” As Sarah exclaimed, “God has brought me laughter;
everyone who hears will laugh with me.” (21:6) It amazed her that she could
nurse a child at her age! God transformed her skeptical laughter when she heard
she’d give birth saying “Now that I’ve lost the ability, am I to have
enjoyment—with my husband so old?” (18:12) into sheer joy.
Laughter
doubles our joy in good times and laughter helps us get through the hard times.
In these times thank God
for the gift of laughter.
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