Let me suggest several ways in which humor can be part of our souls journey.
First, we can help ourselves by occasionally looking for humor in some predicament within which we find ourselves.
My personal example: I might think to myself in frustration ”If I have to conduct one more wedding for a non-church couple who wants to make their wedding meaningful by writing their own vows and have music from Broadway as part of the ceremony, I think I might go and get a divorce myself.”
Remember, humor is not meant to be serious and makes use of exaggeration for effect.
Sometimes it’s important to find humor in other people’s behavior, especially if they are trying to intimidate you into doing their bidding.
I’ve decided that there are three types of wealthy members in my congregation.
There are wealthy members who genuinely feel blessed and want to support the church and do good with their resources.
Second, there are wealthy members who are convinced that their wealth gives them special privileges as members.
And then there are wealthy members who have concluded that you are an idiot and only hope you have at least enough brains left to recognize what geniuses they are. It provides new evidence for the doctrine of the total depravity of man.
Laughing at yourself is a valuable practice. It can help deflate over inflated piety or pompousness.
I am called by God.
I am hired by a congregation.
I am messed up by pride.
I am saved by Grace.
I guess God really is smarter than I am.
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
