Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were creations of Walt Disney. Can you name the Dwarfs? Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy, Dopey, Happy, Doc and Grumpy.

Speaking for myself, I believe I would struggle to be around Grumpy all the time. Have you ever met or perhaps even lived with a grump? They are not always fun. They don’t usually see the “glass half full.”  Whatever their reason for grumpiness and snarling (pain, misery, illness, genetics, mean-spiritedness, general pessimist etc.), it sure is difficult to smile and enjoy the present when grumpy is snarling nearby. The Bible mentions in Proverbs 17:22 “…a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bone.”

Laughter, light heartedness, smiling are spirit lifters. Watch what happens when you smile at someone, even a stranger. Try it in the grocery store. Purposefully, push your cart with a smile on your face and see if a smile is returned.

Laughter is like an antiseptic. It can begin the healing process and as a side note: it can be contagious! Laughter will generate a smile quickly and physiologically it will release endorphins to stimulate well-being. That’s powerful! Where in the world did this FREE state-of-the-art gift come from…. from our Lord who loves us unconditionally. Yes, He even loves grumpy, but He’s encouraging “Happy” to appear and given us the ability to smile and laugh as a “good medicine.”

Proverbs reminds us that a crushed spirit, a grumpy outlook will only bring a sour outcome of “drying up your bones.” So, go ahead allow a smile to form and then a chuckle and know that a good ol’ belly laugh is healing you and a gift approved from your God who loves you unconditionally.

Hi ho hi ho, it’s off to laugh I go!

Jill