Recently, I spoke at the Lutheran Seniors Assembly - Rally in the Valley - on the topic of laughter. I am convinced that it - laughter - is truly a gift from God. More over I'm certain that the Proverb writer had it right when writing "...a merry heart is good like medicine...". My message to the participants in my workshops was to seek to find the humor in all situations. Noting the ancient Greeks loved their tragedies but their highest laurels were heaped upon those who wrote comedy. In so doing they recognized that all comedy is based in tragedy. Therefore we are to presume there is some comedic or humorous element in all of life, including our most 'un-funny' moments.
'Un-funny' moments have been all to many in my life recently. These have been trying times for your friendly 'happy cripple'. My body is in a phase of upheaval and is basically breaking down at some pretty key spots. The checklist alone is overwhelming to me: 1. My left foot and ankle are painful most all of the time 2. My left elbow is so rotted that the bones are shifting and heading dangerously close to my medial nerve resulting in nerve pain in my left arm and hand - good repair options are too few 3. My right wrist is trying to be a problem - pretty standard stuff - just not now! 4. I need a left knee replacement - crap! 5. And because of all that my back is working overtime to soak up all the attention. So that's my not so funny life these days. I awake and never know which part is gonna hurt the worst. And I never know which one is gonna just plain quit working'. Theses are the days when laughter comes more rarely. The days when my calling to inspire the world seems onerous and a burden I'd rather not bear. Sometimes this clown would just rather not laugh.
But - here's the deal - every one of these difficult days have had one thing in common. No, it is not the pain. Nor is it my friends and family - I try to shield them from knowing just how badly I really feel.
Here's my ONE thing: The persistent knowing that this too shall pass. That my faith is more powerful and profound in my life than I can conceive. It is the knowledge that when my aches and pains hit me they are born as well by an ancient jewish man. He is my constant companion. I hear him say "oye kid - this is hard - but hang in there - paradise awaits". He makes me laugh. That's when we have a friendly little argument about timing and life goes on. Jesus always takes me just as I am. His is a voice of grace. What a relief.
In this world you may have pain but take comfort in knowing that I have overcome the world - for you. Jesus (TNPT - The New Paula Translation)
So my friends find laughter whenever you can. It does make each day lighter. Share laughter as well - brighten someone else's day. And when it seems beyond your reach - try this. Picture the look on the face of my friend the ancient jewish man as he watches me - an overweight crippled woman with one leg try to put on pantyhose. That should keep you laughing. Till next time...
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