Wisdom word for the Year 2016: "Laughter"

I have chosen laughter as my unique word of life for 2016 in line with The Year of Mercy proclaimed by the Pope on December 8th 2015 and the Chinese New Year, The Year of the Monkey, which begins on February 8th 2016.
   The Year of Mercy for Catholics speaks about forgiveness and kindness which resonate for all of us.
   The Year of the Monkey in Chinese mythology speaks about enthusiasm and flexibility compatible with our desire to be considerate of others.
   I want to laugh more this year and will try to be as jovial and kind with friends and family. Life is simply too short with too many sorrows. The biblical Book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3:4 tells us:
   "There is a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."
Lord Byron, an 18th century English poet, once wrote:
   "Always laugh when you can; it is cheap medicine!"
We do not need a reason to laugh. If we so desire, our God, as Job reminds us, can fill our mouths with laughter and our lips with shouting. (sic. Job 8, 21).  
I am also equally inspired by Sarah, wife of the patriarch Abraham, when she discovered she was pregnant in her old age (Genesis 21,6):
   "God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me."
No one would be laughing at her again. Charlie Chaplin, the great comedian, cautions us:
   "My pain may be the reason for someone's laugh; but my laugh must never be the reason for someone's pain!"
              May laughter be part of your 2016! It has begun for me!

A Happy New Year to all my readers. Be truly happy. Begin with a hearty laugh!

(reflection #222)

20+C+M+B+16