Today it is once again gloomy, with weathermen predicting anything from sleet, to snow, to ice, and to rain. And really, who knows? But I know on days like this I sometimes just need a little laughter in my life.

A few months ago, my grandson left his toy dinosaur at my house. I guess I was just a little bored, because I tagged my son in a post on facebook.

“Will you please tell your son that I have been trying to take good care of T-Rex after he left him at my house. But today I found him in my refrigerator trying to eat all my pepperoni. It was a tough battle to get them back, but I got ‘er done!”

T-Rex was still at my house a week later, so this time the post read “Well, it would seem that I made it on Nana’s Naughty List. I was supposed to go home with my boy when he was here, but I have been having so much fun I wanted to stay here. So I hid and no one could find me. I got really hungry waiting to be found and FINALLY Nana found me today. When her back was turned, I headed straight for the refrigerator. I ate all her pepperoni before, but I found something even better this time. BACON. Unfortunately, she found me before I could eat more than one piece. But it sure was good and so worth it, even though I did get scolded. Guess now we wait for when my boy comes back.”

From T-Rex: “It is 2 more days until my boy picks me up from Nana’s house. This morning I saw Nana make some apple cider from this thing. I figured I would have some too. I waited and waited with my mouth wide open and nothing! I guess Nana is still put out that I ate her bacon. So much for getting a drop of apple cider!”

T-Rex got to go home the next time my grandson came over. But it sure was fun while he waited at my house. I can see why people enjoy Elf on the Shelf so much. I think that those posts got more likes than almost anything I have put on Facebook.

The thing is I think a lot of people forget to laugh. I just can imagine Jesus laughing and cooing at a baby brought for him to hold. He certainly loved the children who came to him. And I am sure some of them had grubby, dirty hands from playing before they came to be held by him.

Chuck Swindoll said, “Laughter is the most beautiful and beneficial therapy God ever granted humanity.” Used properly, laughter indeed helps us by providing added endorphins to our bodies. I have a friend who goes on vacation with me frequently. We have so much fun together and she makes me laugh so hard over the silliest things and I am sure my endorphins go up. I love that God put her in my life.

I encourage you to take time to find the joy in life and laugh a little—or a lot!

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2