Going into the holiday season can be incredibly stressful. This year a lot more stressful than others. Before COVID-19 many people were already facing a hardship, some more than others. Despite everything that we are all facing, we should give the gift of laughter.
Recently, someone asked me how I felt about 2020. I paused before I responded because this year, I felt a shift in every season. There was a season where I mourned the death of a great friend, a season where I mourned with friends who lost a loved one to health issues, crimes, and police brutality. There was also a season when I was able to see God shift me in areas of my life that I’ve been praying for. There were many days that I cried, but there were days that I smiled.
No matter what season I was in, God was with me and His promises didn’t fall short. Throughout this year, I’ve read messages on social media that stated 2020 is definitely a year we won’t ever forget. I agree, instead of remembering everything that made me cry, I want to remember every day, every moment, and every second that made me smile. I found a quote online that says, Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; It’s about learning to dance in the rain. What if we changed that saying? Life isn’t about holding on to what we see, let’s laugh through our pain and embrace change. Sometimes it’s not about what a person says, the gift of laughter can change the atmosphere. Laughter can be so captivating and at any moment it could be exactly what you need.
Nothing in life is promised, but when we lose things or the people we love, it could take a toll on us. Let’s find ways to be thankful for what this year has taught us. I’m thankful for every trial because it has produced character, perseverance, and built my faith. When you stop and look at the bigger picture and truly look around, maybe you will find something to be thankful for in 2020. There is a blessing in everything we do. No matter what happens in our lives, it is always working for our good.
We are only a few days away from Thanksgiving; take a moment and jot down a list of things that has made you smile this year. Even if the bad outweighs the good, find something to be thankful for. Being thankful and giving thanks will turn your frown into a smile. Hug the people you love just a few seconds longer. Call up your love ones and tell them how much you love them. End a feud that you have been carrying with someone you care about. Forgive the person that you’ve hurt and forgive the person that has hurt you. Let go of the pain and hurt that you have been carrying and free yourself. Let’s not take this moment for granted. Let’s live in the now and choose love in this season. Let’s laugh through it all and see how contagious your laughter becomes. Maybe you can help someone else, by laughing as hard as you can. Before you fill your belly with all of your favorite food, don’t forget to laugh to make a little more room.
Featured Image by Stacey Gardin with Stacey Gardin Portraits
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