CONSIDER THE VALUE OF LAUGHTER

Probably all of us have experienced how a well-timed joke has broken the tension in a group. We also know that nothing builds community like some shared humor. Norman Cousins wrote a book describing how he had laughed his way to health. Laughter is an untapped health resource that churches need to explore in more depth. If stress and negative emotions can suppress the immune system, laughter can help boost our immune system. Laughter not only reduces stress, which can damage the heart, but it can also lead to improved blood flow, which can help ward off high blood pressure. Some studies have indicated that intense laughter can lead to muscle relaxation for up to forty-five minutes.

I’m scheduled to speak about laughter and health to the residents in my retirement community. Since one of the realities for many of us as we grow older is that we have more pills that we have to take each day, I’m playing with the idea of talking about drugs.

THREE CHEERS FOR DRUG COMPANIES

Drug companies have really been kind to older adults.

They have created drugs to ease our pain

They have created drugs to color our hair

They have created drugs to calm our beating hearts

They have created Viagra in case our heart connects with another heart.

The only thing they have asked for in return is that we commit our life savings to make them Zillionaires.

I mean unless we make them Zillionaires, how else can they buy off politicians and invite them to special parties to drink their drug of choice.

But now, despite the opposition of the drug lords who see their profits going out the window, our ever alert politicians are debating legalized marijuana to ease the discomfort of the elderly.

It holds promise of giving new interpretation to Jesus’ parable of the Wheat and the Weeds.

You remember the parable where the workers came to the owner of a field that they had been caring for and told the owner they had discovered weeds among the wheat.

The owner, knowing that the legalized marijuana bills were becoming popular said to the workers, with a sly look in his eyes. “No, .this was probably done by an enemy of our legislature. Let the weed grow alongside the wheat. When the judgment day comes, I’ll bake you some special brownies as a reward..”

In fact if you bring me a little of that weed, maybe I can examine it further.

As you know, the legalization of marijuana is happening all across the country, and it holds new possibilities for retirement communities.

I understand that our Florida retirement communities are designing special ads to attract new residents.

They used to send out ads that said come spend three nights with us in Sunny Florida.

They’ve added a new line:

Come toke with us

Buzz on down to Florida where we can ease all your aches and pains.

You don’t even have to inhale – The secondary smoke will make all your pain go up in smoke.