Don’t Neglect the Gift of Laughter (Book Review)

In the busyness of my days, I too often ignore an essential aspect of a healthy life: laughter. I get so caught up in doing all the things, that taking the time to enjoy life takes a back seat. Laughter simply seems to be a perk I hesitate to take time for.

Gift of Laughter

However, experts have long touted the benefits of laughter. It improves our resistance to disease, helps us feel good, and may even temporarily relieve pain. Who doesn’t want that?

Not to mention, laughter is a thoughtful gift from the Lord. He created us with the ability to laugh and find enjoyment.

In fact, God speaks often in the Word about having joy, seeking joy, and finding joy. For those of us who know Jesus, joy, happiness, and laughter should not be an afterthought or a seldom-exercised emotion. It is a natural extension of our faith.

Not only is #laughter good for us, but it is a thoughtful gift from the Lord. He created us with the ability to laugh and find enjoyment. Share on X

Unwholesome Humor

But in our culture, happiness tends to be based on circumstances and laughter regularly comes at the expense of another person or is crude. Swear words, put-downs, and sarcasm are often passed off as humorous.

In those cases, laughter is not necessarily an outflow of our joy, but a selfish attempt to feel better about ourselves. The Lord holds Christians to a higher standard.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29, NIV

Wholesome Joke Book for Kids – a Review

That’s why I was thrilled to hear about this fun little just-released joke book for kids, You’re Joking Me: Jokes for Kids by a Kid, and the young man who wrote it. I knew I had to share it with others.

The author, William Daniel, a middle schooler from Colorado, enjoys making people laugh using simple clean jokes. To that end, witty puns, one-liners, riddles, and knock-knock jokes fill the pages of this travel-sized book—more than 450 of them. And every one of these jokes is good, clean fun. 

Witty puns, one-liners, riddles, and knock-knock jokes fill the pages of this travel-sized book—more than 400 of them. And every one of these jokes is good, clean fun. #jokebook Share on X

As the subtitle reveals, the author wrote You’re Joking Me for youth in his age bracket. All of the jokes included in the book are age-appropriate for kids.

But it’s also fun for adults. I found myself smiling and chuckling at many of the jokes. It was an easy way of lightening up my chaotic days. And I applaud William for the example he is setting for his peers of practicing clean, wholesome humor. 

Here’s a small preview of what you’ll find in this delightful little gem: 

Clever and funny, right? You’re Joking Me is refreshing—a fun, little treasure to tuck in a backpack or purse. Let William Daniel bring a chuckle to your day, or better yet, gift it to your favorite young person. They’ll thank you for it.

Exercise Your Gift of Laughter

God created us with the gift of laughter. Let’s make sure to unwrap that gift in a way that will glorify Him. You’re Joking Me will help young people (and adults too) do just that.

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22, CSB

God created us with the gift of laughter. Let's make sure to unwrap that gift in a way that will glorify Him. 'You're Joking Me,' a brand new joke book by a middle schooler will help. #giveaway #bookreview Share on X

Reflections: Let’s share! What’s your favorite joke? Please share it in the comments for all of us to enjoy. Nothing crude or hurtful is allowed.