I typed the verb "laughing" into the computer to see what the results would be. Google described it as the verb "to make the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of lively amusement and sometimes also of contempt or derision." There was also the second definition of "dismiss something embarrassing, unfortunate, or potentially serious by treating it in a lighthearted way or making a joke of it."
Although accurate definitions, I decided to create my own. I think everyone creates their own definitions for words to make them tangible. Sure, Google has the factual concept of laughing defined in an understanding way, but it doesn't completely represent everyone's definition. Laughing to me is laying on the floor beside my best friend with tears in our eyes because we got busted in our scheme. It is laughing for ten minutes straight at my boyfriend's face after I sent an embarrassing text from his phone in a group message. Laughing to me is my great grandma's cackle when she'd whip out one of her corny jokes. It is the gut-wrenching feeling in my stomach after laughing for nearly an hour at joke that no one else thought was funny. Most importantly, it is a week after my grandpa's funeral and running into the two funniest friends I have, laughing despite the pain at one of their ornery antics.
Laughing is what helps us survive.
Thinking about all of the parallels between laughter and pain is too coincidental. When we laugh, we often cry, just as we do when we are in pain. Laughter is contagious, just like the most horrific illnesses and diseases in our world. We laugh when we can no longer contain our joy, just as we weep when we can no longer contain our sorrow. Laughter increases intimacy between each other, just as tragedy can bring a family together. Isn't it crazy? Laughter is God's gift to us as His universal medicine. It is the temporary cure-all and the sweet nirvana opposition to bitter realities.
A quote by Jarod Kintz says, "Laughter is the sound of the soul dancing." I truly believe that Google should include that definition on their browser. How could he be more right? When we laugh, it is literally the happiest we can be in this life. Think about it. Think about the last time you laughed and how it made you feel. Didn't you love it? Don't you remember it? Doesn't it make you smile?
