“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh (ὅτιγελάσετε).” (Lk 6: 21) Here is an oft forgotten, oft-neglected promise made by my Lord to those who take up their cross: laughter! I have seen this promise come true in the lives of people who lead lives of conscious, spiritual growth and struggle: Despite their unmistakable, focused earnestness, they often laugh wholeheartedly. They have the capacity to laugh good-naturedly at themselves, and at the absurdity of some of our human predicaments. So laughter is a gift of the Holy Spirit, promised to those of us who open up to weeping –to weeping in His light, according to His truth." (Sr. Dr. Vassa Larin)
“Laughter is a precious gift, for it allows us to share circumstances in a special way. When we allow ourselves to enjoy funny events, we are able to put ourselves in proper perspective. Our ability to laugh at ourselves helps reduce our sense of self-importance.” (Abbot Tryphon)
“Laughter is a precious gift to life, and it is wonderful when we can see and enjoy the oftentimes humorous events and circumstances of our lives. It is especially wonderful when we are able to eliminate our sense of self-importance and also laugh heartily at ourselves.” (Rev Andrew J. Demotses)
“Laughter removes all barriers. When people are laughing together, there are no age differences, no racial barriers, and no economic distinctions. It is just people enjoying their existence.” (Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz)
“Genuine, hearty laughter is one of the greatest gifts imparted to us by our Father. It has the amazing power to diminish our pain, lift our souls in joyous good cheer, while providing bright hope for the unknown days ahead.” (W. Phillip Keller)
“The minute I begin looking ahead to the future and allow into my mind those distracting suggestions whispering, “But what if this happens? Don’t you wish you were…? , Wouldn’t it be better if you had…?”, my peace dissipates. “Come back,” the Holy Spirit reminds me, “Come back to the present moment.” And then my senses re-engage with the smell of coffee, the trees white and shimmering with snow outside my window, with the sound of my kids laughing in the living room, with the feel of the warmth from our fireplace. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” (Molly Sabourin)