Let’s start Monday off with laughter. We have heard that laughter is the best medicine for the soul. From Walt Disney, “Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are never forgotten.” As we learned yesterday with the five stages of grief, life is too short. We must choose to cherish the opportunities to laugh. As we go into 2024, I encourage us all to do the following:

• Stress less with Matthew 6:34 NIV — Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
• Surrender more with Proverbs 16:3 NIV — Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
• Give thanks always with 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV — Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
• Love myself more with Mark 12:31 NIV — The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
• Build a healthy tribe with Proverbs 27:17 NIV — As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
• Rest well with Psalm 46:10 NIV — He says, Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
• Find Joy in the Journey with Nehemiah 8:10 NIV — Nehemiah said, Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for opportunities to find joy and share laughter with others. Help me to cherish every moment and live for today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.