Learn to laugh, it will extend your life and make the lives of those around you more enjoyable

On Friday, my dad had come by a couple of tickets to the Boise State football game. It was cold, and the Broncs just weren't performing like we expect them to, but we had a grand ol' time anyway! I love being with my dad because he almost always can find the humor or fun in situations. In fact, I love the example that both my parents have set for me in laughing through life's difficulties or while working together.

Former apostle, Joseph B. Wirthlin once counseled us to learn to laugh. Following is an excerpt from this talk:

If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness. 

Over the years I have learned a few things that have helped me through times of testing and trial. I would like to share them with you. 

The first thing we can do is learn to laugh. Have you ever seen an angry driver who, when someone else makes a mistake, reacts as though that person has insulted his honor, his family, his dog, and his ancestors all the way back to Adam? Or have you had an encounter with an overhanging cupboard door left open at the wrong place and the wrong time which has been cursed, condemned, and avenged by a sore-headed victim?
There is an antidote for times such as these: learn to laugh. 

I remember when one of our daughters went on a blind date. She was all dressed up and waiting for her date to arrive when the doorbell rang. In walked a man who seemed a little old, but she tried to be polite. She introduced him to me and my wife and the other children; then she put on her coat and went out the door. We watched as she got into the car, but the car didn’t move. Eventually our daughter got out of the car and, red faced, ran back into the house. The man that she thought was her blind date had actually come to pick up another of our daughters who had agreed to be a babysitter for him and his wife. 

We all had a good laugh over that. In fact, we couldn’t stop laughing. Later, when our daughter’s real blind date showed up, I couldn’t come out to meet him because I was still in the kitchen laughing. Now, I realize that our daughter could have felt humiliated and embarrassed. But she laughed with us, and as a result, we still laugh about it today.
The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable.

I love having my family with whom I can laugh even when It's cold and the broncs are playing terribly. Anytime with my family is a good time. I am so grateful to know that I can be with them forever.