We mostly think about our character in the sense of what we must do right in this world. How about the parts of character that simply make us who we are. Laughter is one of those for me. I love to laugh. I love to make others laugh. On my best days I have been full of laughter. On my worst days I have struggled to smile, let alone let out even a forced chuckle.
This has shown up recently for me in all phases of my life. I wish I could say that all the areas of my life have been filled with laughter. But actually to the contrary I have struggled for laughter. I've noticed it while I work. I've noticed it with my kids. I've noticed with my attempt at being a good husband. I have been struggling to laugh.
Sometimes I think that we lose laughter because we quit looking for the humor and joy that is in everyday life. Leah and I were talking recently about our kids and how we are doing with our parenting. It seems we have had high stress in our house recently. I remember saying to her, "I just want to spend more time laughing with my kids and less time redirecting their choices or behavior." Laughter is a vital need for my life.
After that conversation a few weeks ago, I made a conscience choice to look for the joy, gratitude, and humor in the moments around me. The result has been more laughter. Leah and I were full of laughter this past Saturday as we drove 9 eight-year-old boys around town for Dylan and Brody's birthday party (this is an upcoming post). It was absolutely a hoot to be with all of those boys.
Even though laughter is an inherent part of my character, sometimes I still must go and look for it and allow myself the opportunity to laugh. Again I love to laugh and to make others laugh. And really this life is full of humor, joy, and life. We should laugh much more!
This has shown up recently for me in all phases of my life. I wish I could say that all the areas of my life have been filled with laughter. But actually to the contrary I have struggled for laughter. I've noticed it while I work. I've noticed it with my kids. I've noticed with my attempt at being a good husband. I have been struggling to laugh.
Sometimes I think that we lose laughter because we quit looking for the humor and joy that is in everyday life. Leah and I were talking recently about our kids and how we are doing with our parenting. It seems we have had high stress in our house recently. I remember saying to her, "I just want to spend more time laughing with my kids and less time redirecting their choices or behavior." Laughter is a vital need for my life.
After that conversation a few weeks ago, I made a conscience choice to look for the joy, gratitude, and humor in the moments around me. The result has been more laughter. Leah and I were full of laughter this past Saturday as we drove 9 eight-year-old boys around town for Dylan and Brody's birthday party (this is an upcoming post). It was absolutely a hoot to be with all of those boys.
Even though laughter is an inherent part of my character, sometimes I still must go and look for it and allow myself the opportunity to laugh. Again I love to laugh and to make others laugh. And really this life is full of humor, joy, and life. We should laugh much more!
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