Last night’s glimpse of the two presidential candidates’ self-depreciating humor at the annual Al Smith dinner was great!  Finally a breath of fresh air in the intense debate of this year’s election cycle was enjoyed.  Senators McCain and Obama were funny and collegial.  Watching them laugh was a reminder, that we are citizens of this wonder-ful nation before we are independents, Republican or Democrat.  Their cleverly delivered lines were funny and I enjoyed the laughter!  I know today, they will hit the campaign trail delivering their hard hitting messages on the economy, the war, health care, and taxes, taxes, taxes.  But last night, gave everyone a comedic break that was refreshing!

“A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing…” Proverbs 17:22 (Amplified) Is it a coincidence that George Burns and Bob Hope lived to be 100? Of course not, these men laughed and lived to make others laugh.

I watched an old Abbot and Costello movie a couple of weeks ago and laughed until tears were coming from my eyes. At one point I had to hit the pause button because I simply wanted to enjoy the moment. When I was getting ready for bed, I noticed, how good I felt. I slept like a log. The next day was highly productive. Laughter is simply good medicine. It helps your soul to recover so you can hit the trail again dealing with the very serious issues that life brings.

The old maxim, “Laughter is the best medicine,” holds true when it comes to protecting your heart, according to a study conducted by the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Dr. Michael Miller, who conducted the study, says laughter releases chemicals into the blood stream that relax the blood vessels. In addition, hearty laughter reduces blood pressure and heart rate.

Miller, who is the director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University, interviewed 150 patients who had suffered heart troubles and 150 who had not. Each patient was asked questions to measure their response in typical day-to-day situations. The results showed that individuals with heart problems were 40 percent less likely to respond with laughter. Reuters News Service and CBS Radio News (11-15-2000)

I encourage you today, look for the things that make you smile, a child playing, a dog happily rolling in the leaves, read the comics in the newspaper, or maybe just laugh at yourself. As you do, thank God for this wonderful medicine that clears your mind, lowers your blood pressure and makes you a better person.

Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit!