I watched a social experiment online. A man stood at a bus stop, surrounded by different people of different cultures, ages and backgrounds. As they stood there waiting quietly, everyone was in their own little world and detached from everyone around them. Out of nowhere this man starts slowly laughing, then building into more laughter. At first people did not know how to react. Some people looked confused, others smirked, while some did a mix of both not knowing what was an appropriate reaction. Then they all started slowly laughing, building up into more laughter. Even the most serious looking people out of the bunch could not help but to smile. I, myself, even did as I watched. A quiet somber moment, was broken up into laughter and joy from one individual who took the time to share it. We can impact others my friend. Do we spread joy and love to them; or do we sit in silence and hold back? Laughter is contagious and it is a wonderful thing to catch and a wonderful thing to share. Are we sharing joy and laughter or are we keeping quiet and recluse? I am admittingly bad about this at times. I can be shy and reserved when around groups of people outside of my comfort zone. Though, that should not stop me from sharing joy or laughter to the people that surround me. Maybe not a random laugh, but even a simple, sweet, smile. Friend, whether you can be introverted at times like me in certain situations, or you find it easy to be bold and gregarious; we must always take the time to share joy with each other. For if laughter, smiles and joy are contagious; may we spread it like wildfire in a world that so very much needs it. For God gave us laughter to share with others, a smile to lift each other up and an eternal joy that we should not keep to ourselves.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Proverbs 17:22 NIV

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 15:13 NIV

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.