Lessons from Laughter

This article was originally published here, on May 2, 2009.

I truly believe that one of the greatest sounds in the world is the sound of children laughing. It seems so free and uninhibited. A child is free to allow his or her joy bubble up to the top, and spill out in rivers of laughter. They want to laugh. Someone in the room laughs and they want to join in the festivities. Someone laughs on t.v. and the quickly imitate what they here.

Laughter allows us to lighten up for a moment. It helps us to put life into perspective. Children need adults who can model the ability to laugh at themselves. Too often, we take ourselves too seriously. Children don't usually take themselves too seriously. They tend to enjoy the moment for all it's worth.

I am learning a lot about life from my little girl. Her infectious laugh, her clever smile, and her playful spirit are helping me to remember the greatest treasures in life can't be bought. I am also learning that the most important moment in my life isn't the next one, it's this one. Children seem to be able to live in the moment and adjust to the situation. They aren't hung up on the future.

I'm not saying we should give any thought to the future. However, most of our planning for the future borders on obsession. We spend so much time and effort saving for tomorrow, we fail to enjoy today. We don't even know if we will get tomorrow. How sad to come to an end of a day and realize that it possessed no joy.