| Does God Laugh? - article by Joel Hempel
It’s difficult for me to imagine a Spirit laughing. But then, I have never lived in that realm. On the other hand, we laugh, and we are made in God’s image. When a friend recently asked this question in a devotion, here was my reply: I don’t know if God laughs or even how much Jesus laughed. But I have no doubt our Lord smiled a lot. Think about the times following his resurrection when in the garden outside the empty tomb, he said, “Mary.” Or, what about when he appeared in the upper room behind locked doors or breaking bread with the Emmaus disciples? Then there was the time when he told Peter and the others to throw their fishing net over the other side of the boat. I think he had fun, kindhearted fun with people. I can’t imagine he was a sourpuss on such occasions. We also know he knew how to enjoy life, maybe even have a goblet of wine (John 2:1-12) and relax with his friends (John 12:1-3). If we can imagine Jesus smiling or even laughing, then surely God has a sense of humor. Although I doubt the Father tells dad jokes. Why does the question about laughter in heaven matter? No one has to tell us – and God surely knows – that life is demanding and often intense. There is pressure on everyone. It is important to the Creator who created natural beauty, newborn babies, and koala bears that we all take the opportunity to lighten up, relax our brains, remove our shoes, and enjoy clean fun and healthy laughter. Whenever I visit Rosemary and Ken Orloff, I am struck by how they maintain a positive attitude while dealing with one setback after another. Of course, their faith plays a big part in rising above their circumstances. But their God-gifted sense of humor and ability to laugh makes a significant contribution to their well-being. If you question this conclusion, check out this article from the Mayo Clinic, Stress Relief from Laughter? It’s No Joke. Laughter can strengthen our immune system, boost a bad mood, diminish pain, and help protect us from the damaging effects of stress. Does God Laugh? I don’t know. But he seems to know how to have fun with us. Picture Jesus with the children. Look at his face as he watches the bride’s family discover they have six barrels of luxury quality wine. Watch him turn two fish and a small loaf of bread into a banquet for thousands. Is Jesus enjoying himself? You think he wants us to join him? Amid our vocational demands and many challenges, God wants us to make room to enjoy life and a good laugh. | 
