Humor Lightens the Load

Heading home from Portland, and bringing you the last guest post for this go-round. Please say hi to Kim, and then head over to her blog and check out some more of what she has to say.

I remember from my parents’ era that the best part of waking up was Folger’s in your cup. (If you’re over the age of 35, I’m sorry for embedding that jingle in your head.) Coffee and the morning newspaper were simple essentials for the start of each new day.
Now that I’m an adult, a decorative cup of subtly flavored coffee beckons me from bed each morning, but NOT the anticipation of reading daily news headlines: Same-Sex Marriage Legalized! Planned Parenthood Sells Baby Parts! ISIS Bigger Threat than Al Qaeda! The world’s woes cause this happy-go-lucky girl to occasionally throw the covers back over her head, wishing to disappear. Note: I recently detected myself in the mirror, giving proof that wishing to disappear isn’t an effective coping mechanism.
So what do you do when you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders like an overstuffed, oversized Louis Vuitton? I mean, besides pray? I believe the antidote to the madness is you focus on others, serving up healthy doses of humor.
One Monday morning I decided to post this picture of me on Facebook.

I knew it would place smiles on the faces of friends dreading the start to a new work week. Success! It received lots of laughs and comical comments. The feedback sparked an idea of mine for a campaign, asking others to post similar pictures of silly faces to brighten someone’s day. You know how many people responded? Na-da. Zilch. None. Instead, friends continued to post the all too familiar kitty cat, cute kids, and what they had for dinner photos.

One day I’ll resurrect what I’ll entitle the “Dare to be Silly” campaign. Not because I’m egotistical and the notion that something I conceived flopped like a fish (sorry if you’re now singing Sponge Bob Squarepants’ theme song.) No, I want to do it because the wisdom of Solomon invites us to establish within ourselves and instill in others joy and laughter.
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
“A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” Proverbs 15:13
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” Proverbs 31:25

The best part is, we all have a silly streak and could easily snap a funny picture. It’s truly effortless, unlike trying to convince FB friends we do NOT have a double chin.

Here’s a picture I took of our dog Carly a few months ago. Poor girl, she’s so old she requires reading glasses. Doesn’t this furry sweetie make you smile?

If you REALLY want a good laugh, when you’re done reading this simply Google Glamour Shots. We’re talking instantaneous super mood booster.

Scripture plainly tells us not to worry about our days…what to eat or wear….sometimes that’s easier said than done for sure. But I’m convinced that what makes that advice easier to follow is to infuse our days with ample helpings of humor. If you don’t believe me…try it…I dare you to be silly and share a zany picture of yourself. Then go reward yourself with a nice cup of Folger’s…or other choice beverage.