‘Abdu’l-Bahá loved laughter and His laughter was often a source of solace
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When in Bahá'í history
‘Abdu’l-Bahá loved laughter and His laughter was often a source of solace. One writer observed that once He laughed so heartily at the observations and questions directed to Him that ‘Hus turban became disarranged. As He lifted His hands to straighten it, He smiled as though we had a little joke between us.’ When the Master was in America He was visited by May Maxell, with little Mary, and Juliet Thompson. They had a delightful visit together, but eventually Juliet became concerned and asked, ‘Don’t we tire You? Oughtn’t we to leave You now?’ He answered, ‘No, stay. You rest Me. You make Me laugh!’ On one occasion He was delighted thinking about a certain joke. He seemed to have in mind to tell it. His friends pleased that He do so. ‘No, I cannot, for every time I try to tell it I laugh so I cannot speak.’
Source: Honnold, Annamarie, Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 169
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: laughter).
Discuss this story
For adults
- Where do love and service meet in this story?
- How does this story illustrate the practice of love?
- What stands out about Juliet Thompson's response in this account?
For teens
- If you were in Juliet Thompson's place, what might you have done?
- What does this story teach about love?
Reflection
- How does love show up in your life right now — and where is it being asked of you?
- Read the passage a second time, slowly. What did you notice that you missed the first time?
- Sit quietly for a moment after reading. What does this story stir in you?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "‘Abdu’l-Bahá loved laughter and His laughter was often a source of solace" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Which virtue does this story most clearly illustrate?
Cite this story
Various. *bahaistories.com archive*. https://bahaistories.com/subject/laughter
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