In this series of Church Without Walls we’re suggesting to you that church looks like investing in your family. Laughter is like a medicine that restores our soul and connects us with others. To laugh with your family is good for you.
Invest in your family and invite others into your family space.
CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS ACTIVITY CHALLENGE
Family Activity #2
Do things that make you laugh.
Laughter is good medicine for the soul, and as you will see below, it forges bonds within your family. Strong families stay together through thick and thin, so to laugh with your family is good for your future.
Here’s your challenge:
Go to the beach / lake / park / mall / visit relatives and do things that make you all laugh.
WHAT COULD THIS LOOK LIKE?
What makes you laugh? Stories about the days of old? What about the times you totally goofed up? Your children will no doubt laugh at you doing a crazy dance!
This article has 10 ways to make your family laugh more. You may prefer People-Watching or you may prefer to Sing Silly Songs. Can you do Impersonations? Find ways to laugh with your family.
WHY WOULD YOU INVITE OTHERS?
When we talk about being the church without walls we are encouraging you to connect with others so that your relationship can be made stronger. After all, the church is a group of people who keep Jesus in the centre of their world. So, inviting others to be a part of your laughter can include those who may not normally choose to attend church in a building, but may be open to hang out at the park or play games.
The point of inviting others to participate is the building of relationships that allow you to “be the church” without feeling like you have to “do church” (in the traditional sense.)
Go on, give it a go!
RESOURCES:
Researchers have proven that laughter is good for you. This article says, “laughter not only plays an important role in social and non-verbal communication, but it also provides evolutionary qualities that encourage group bonding and protect us from physical and psychological pain.” Okay, so you may not be so interested in the “reducing pain” part! Surely you want to increase the bonding in your family?
https://www.psychalive.org/laugh-it-up-why-laughing-brings-us-closer-together/
CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS
Make this scripture part of your prayer this week.
When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
Psalm 126