MANILA, Philippines – An American writer once said that “of all the things God created, I am often most grateful He created laughter.” We may not admit it but the truth is many of us today become far too serious. Portrayed by our straightface sourpuss demeanor. We have forgotten to smile, chuckle, or have a hearty belly laugh. We have forgotten to think and act funny. We have forgotten that even painful situations can be turned around through laughter. We have forgotten that laughter promotes a feeling of well-being. We lose our sense of humor.

Do you know that there is one study that shows that preschoolers laugh up to 450 times a day? In contrast, adults laugh an average of 15 times a day. Children are lovable gifts of God. They have the uncanny ability to make anything funny. They think funny too. Just observe children at play and listen to the light-hearted laughter lifters that they say. Innocent, candid simple remarks – laughable moments that brighten our day.

A joyful heart is what we all need nowadays. Being able to see the lighter side of life. Having a sense of humor. Not the distasteful or vulgar jesting or silly talk that is offensive to others. But delightful expressions or thoughts that lift our spirit and lighten our day. It is often said that a healthy sense of humor is determined by at least four abilities, as follows:

• the ability to laugh at our own mistakes

• the ability to accept justified criticism – and get over it

• the ability to interject (or at least enjoy) wholesome humor when surrounded by a tense, heated situation

• the ability to control those statements that would be unfit – even though they may be funny.

Humor is not a sin. It is a gift from God. It is a God-given escape hatch. A safety valve. It is the best of all medicines – and cheap too. Let me share with you the story of a doctor in his book titled “Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient.”

Particularly on the power of humor in overcoming a debilitating illness. The patient said that ten minutes of good belly laughter gave him two hours of pain-free sleep. Before using the humor therapy, the patient said that he was under heavy medication. Sad to say, the heavy medication did not relieve the pain caused by the severe inflammation of his spine and joints. He could not sleep. Until he spent ten minutes watching humorous movies and reading funny books. The patient later recovered. His case was the basis of numerous studies of the value of laughter in healing. The patient said that “I’ve never known a person who possessed the gift of hearty laughter to be burdened by constipation.”

One doctor said: “A sense of humor has been linked with longevity. It is a possibility that the mental attitude reflected in a lively sense of humor is an important factor predisposing some people toward long life.” Yes, a good sense of humor helps us outlast the unbearable.

In this stress-filled world, humor is invaluable. Otherwise, hospitals cannot accommodate people who are suffering from depression.

Have a joyful day!