Let’s not get the idea here that laughter should be avoided. Laughter, it says elsewhere, is good medicine, and science proves it—laughter builds endorphins, which are beneficial for mental health. What brings us to laughter? Joy sometimes spills over in laughter. Nothing maniacal about that. But I’m sure we can all think of situations where laughter isn’t an appropriate response. That kind of laughing is more hurtful than helpful. The rhetorical “What does this accomplish?” makes us stop and think about the pleasures we choose. Do they benefit us physically, emotionally, or spiritually? If not, then perhaps the activity should be curtailed. My mom used to remind us that whatever we did, God was there, too, so behave accordingly. God is the creator of joy and pleasure, but when we try to make pleasure bring us meaning and purpose, it falls flat. Meaning and purpose come through a relationship with God. Without Him, it accomplishes nothing more than disappointment.