Living in Africa must be done with a sense of humor. Without one, I would have a much harder time coping with some things that aren’t so pleasant. For example, yesterday morning I began preparing some pancakes for our breakfast. I then realized that we were out of pancake syrup, so I got out my recipe book and quickly began to gather the ingredients. I had to step out of the kitchen for a moment, and upon my return I glanced back at my recipe, only to find a slug crawling in my book. Yes, a slug. Where was it a few minutes ago? I guess in the middle, near the rings. It had rained heavily the night before and that tends to drive things that creep and crawl to a higher, drier place. About that time I looked up and saw another one on the wall. Ughh!!
Some time ago, we were in worship services and as usual, a couple of children were sitting with Lindsey. At one point, Lindsey happened to notice that her shawl was being used by the little girl to pick her nose. Yeah. On ANOTHER occasion, after services as we were getting into the vehicle, Lindsey noticed that there was a *cough* booger *cough* on her arm, and just to let you know, it wasn’t hers. Lindsey could have freaked out and from then on she could have avoided the little girl with the nose addiction, but she didn’t. Was she grossed out? Yep! But she had a good laugh about it and continued to love those kids who sat next to her during every service.
In situations such as these, and believe me, there are many, we have a choice. Yesterday morning I could have fussed and fumed and refuse to touch my cookbook, or I could go outside and flick it off and continue my work with a laugh. I chose the latter. Now, I admit there has been more than one occasion when I haven’t dealt with a situation in the best way,. Yes, there have even been times when I’ve come to tears because of being so frustrated with little things, but I’d like to think those are becoming fewer. There are numerous occasions in which the only real sensible reaction is to laugh! It keeps me sane, at least that’s what I like to tell myself. I prefer not to discuss the other option.
How do you react to life? Sure, there are serious occasions in which laughing would be highly inappropriate. I’m not talking about those. But what about those things that happen to us that might be unpleasant, embarrassing, etc. How do you react? Do you allow yourself to be easily agitated or do you laugh it off, even if it means laughing at yourself? I think the world would be a better place if we all learned to laugh a little bit more.
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Thank you for this post and reminder! We have been a little stressed lately and you are right, laughter is the best medicine! I shall try to keep that in mind :). Great post!
You are amazing. Slugs…icko…But you are right…what else are you going to do? 🙂
Dustin thinks that would be neat by the way. Dustin is not a nice boy.
Sons…what are you going to do???
I am trying to keep that perspective…yesterday I told the nurse if they told me one more time that my reactions to the radiation shouldn't be too bad because it was such a SMALL area being treated, I would lamb somebody… 🙂 Bwahaha…she laughed too…
Love you friend.
~Debbie
Laughter is the only way I make it through the day! There are so many things to laugh out, especially when I look at myself! ha ha!
Haha! I love that picture of the slug! What a great post – made me laugh out loud. 🙂 And good perspective, too! Laughter really will help so many things!
Luke, remember the time …? Oh, never mind.;)
Good thoughts Mom! I'll try to loosen up more 😀
Ha Ha! I love reading about your adventures in Africa! Thank you for the reminder…sometimes it can be so hard to laugh at things life throws out at us. But, reading this post made me want to laugh at the small things even more! =)
Marli
So true, laughter can be the remedy for so many ailments. Truly the best medicine and definately needed to keep ourselves sane. If you can't laugh at yourself then you've got to be most miserable.
Funny! I enjoyed your story. I agree that laughter makes life so much nicer. I have seen people get so upset over things that do not matter in the long run and it is so sad. I enjoy a good laugh every day!! Keep smiling, Joy!
Love it, Joy! thank you for reminding me that a sense of humor is important, wherever you live! Having just moved myself, I sometimes find myself facing the 'you aren't from here, are you?' crowd. It would be easy to go home and fuss and fume. But it's better to smile, say, "Not yet!" and move on.