Who or what truly, deeply, makes you laugh?

Rational Exuberance

In the Jewish tradition, there is a teaching that on judgment day, each person will be asked why she did not enjoy life’s pleasures more.

Kay Redfield Jamison warns, “Exuberance and joy are fragile matters. Bubbles burst; a wince of disapproval can cut dead a whistle or abort a cartwheel.” Let us resolve not to wince at exuberance, not to cast disapproval at those who are harmlessly cavorting and rejoicing. Let’s practice exuberance, and support it wherever we may find it.

Sisters and brothers, I believe that God loves you very much. I believe that you have within you a beautiful wild woman or man who wants to embrace life in all its fullness. I believe that that desire to embrace life is a divine gift. That longing to connect, that longing to give your gifts to a hurting world, that longing to kick up your heels and laugh till you cry, or even infect your whole village with laughter—give in to it.

BY AMANDA L. AIKMAN, CONSULTING MINISTER, SKAGIT UU FELLOWSHIP, MOUNT VERNON, WASHINGTON, AND SOUTH FRASER UNITARIAN CONGREGATION, SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA TO READ MORE

The Daily Compass offers words and images to inspire spiritual reflection and encourage the creation of a more loving, inclusive and just world. Produced by The Church of the Larger Fellowship, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Without Walls.