STOP AND THINK – We don’t laugh because we are happy—we’re happy because we laugh. (William James, 19th & 20th century American philosopher)
Laughter may very well be an accurate indication of someone’s state of mind. But James is turning common wisdom around. Surely, when we hear someone laughing, we can rightly assume that that person is happy. But, of course, that is not always true. It is true, however, that laughter does change our expression and, perhaps, our attitude. Laugh and be happy!
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. (Job 8:21)