Just Laugh

Bertha May Adams Backus (1870-1956) was a prolific writer but may be best known for this.

Then Laugh

Build for yourself a strong box. Fashion each part with care; 

When it’s strong as your hand can make it, put all your troubles there.

Hide there all thought of your failures, and each bitter cup that you quaff;

Lock all your heartaches within it, then sit on the lid and laugh.

Tell no one else its contents. Never its secrets share;

When you’ve dropped in your care and worry, keep them forever there;

Hide them from sight so completely that the world will never dream half;

Fasten the strongbox securely, then sit on the lid and laugh.  (Bertha May Adams Backus)

A joyful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” (Psalm 126:2)

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. (Job 8:21)

It’s time to build your box, my friend.