There are times it helps to consider that what is happening may reflect God’s sense of humor.
God, if you wanted to teach me humility, couldn’t you have found an easier way than calling me to this congregation.
I accept the doctrine that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but did we have to gather so much evidence in one congregation.
There are times when we need to find some humor in the workings of the universe.
I understand that rain falls on the just and the unjust, but did it have to happen on the day of the church picnic?
I know the Bible says that the meek shall inherit the earth. Why didn’t someone explain to me that that only takes place after the arrogant and the rich have died off?
And for chaplains in hospitals: Where is it written that chaplains are valued for their spiritual depth, nurses are valued for their ability to make doctors look good, and doctors are valued according to how they affect the GNP of our economy.
OK, not all of them are great, but I hope it illustrates how humor can help you step back, breathe, and recognize that since we are not the savior, maybe we can learn to enjoy life where we are not always in control.
Now it’s your turn to try discovering some comedy in your life. Don’t expect it to be great each time. This isn’t for public consumption but for personal cleansing.
As an initial experiment, try the following:
Make 6 statements of fact (not funny) about your work in the ministry.
Don’t think about it too deeply. Simply write them down.
Then review and pick a couple that might have funny rejoinders.
Let me give you some of my examples:
A pastor should remain calm and respond kindly when
someone is insulting in their behavior.
Ministers should be understanding when
someone uses profane and offensive language.
They should understand when people make impossible demands.
After all, it’s not easy being the spouse of a minister.
(Did you see it coming? It’s the unexpected twist that helps you see humor.)
A pastor should be spiritually sensitive to the needs of a parishioner.
Some can be helped by quoting the proper Scripture.
Others can be helped by a powerful prayer.
And some just need a swift kick in the butt.
On your spiritual journey, you need to be comfortable with acknowledging your own pain, and laughing at yourself when you have taken yourself too seriously. Between those poles you will experience the presence of God and be able to convey that to those in need.
I hope you are enjoying the first two volumes of Clergy Tales–Tails
vol 1 “Who Wags the Dog? amzn.to/11j6L2D
Vol 2: Wagging: Friendly but Exhausting. amzn.to/1a1uCI6
