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During an adult Sunday School class in which we were discussing the various facts and myths that surround Epiphany, it was noted that Jesus was probably two years old when the wise men made their visit. I don’t know why I see so much humor in scripture, but the thought hit me, “Oh, it’s easy to see God in a baby, but in a two-year-old? Now, that takes an epiphany!” Fortunately, the class thought it was funny, too, and I wasn’t stoned for being a heretic.
I love looking for humor in situations where it is appropriate. Now I know that as a Christian educator I should probably be writing about joy rather than just plain funny, goofy stuff. But that’s too easy! (Actually, read the president’s message in the next issue for a reflection on joy. I’ll bet you just can’t wait! Did you laugh just now? I hope so!) Expressing humor in writing is a tough job. Just look at the trouble folks get into writing emails and Facebook comments that are supposed to be funny but somehow fall short. Thus, we have “LOL” to be sure others know we’re trying to be funny. Yes, we need joy in our lives, but we also need humor.
How do you have a life that includes a sense of humor? Be intentional.
- Read the comics (especially the funny ones), and connect with others who read them. Keep a file of the really good ones and use them in sermons and Bible lessons. You’ll be surprised how well you’ll connect with people.
- Read authors who are humorous. Erma Bombeck is one of my favorites (Motherhood – the Second Oldest Profession to name just one of her fun books), or Jill Browne (God Save the Sweet Potato Queens and more).
- Go to funny movies and plays. Forbidden Broadway had me cracking up and nudging my daughter until she was purple.
- Watch some of the really good sitcoms.
- Surround yourself with friends who have a good sense of humor.
- Spend time with a child who has a good sense of humor. It’s contagious.
- Look for the things you can laugh about when you read the Bible. After all, if we are made in God’s image, I have to imagine that God has the best sense of humor of all.
- Avoid conversations about politics.
- Look in the mirror and laugh. If we can’t laugh at ourselves, it’s going to be hard to find humor in life. We really are weird looking creatures, don’t you think? (LOL)
In the last issue, I wrote about having a sense of purpose that glorifies God and enjoys God forever. Here’s your homework assignment: Look for ways to enjoy God and God’s creation, laugh daily, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
Sue Moore is a ruling elder and certified Christian educator in the PC(USA) and is a past president of APCE. Her greatest joy is found in studying and teaching the Bible.