Are you able to laugh at yourself?
Hopefully, the answer is yes-- because truthfully, it makes the day to day go by so much more easily. If I didn't know how to chuckle at myself when I hum too loudly to the music on my iPod, almost wipe-out at the grocery store because of a wet floor, or just plain embarrass myself during a conversation, then I would be in for a life full of heartache. Luckily, as a kid, I was told by many adult figures before me that I should learn how to laugh at myself as soon as possible. Quite honestly, I feel that it is a brilliant piece of advice. If you aren't quite there yet, don't worry-- it's a one-awkward-situation-at-a-time thing. Be patient with yourself.
Moving on-- and, the reason as to why I asked that question in the first place. As I've said, I have known for quite some time now how to laugh at myself when needed. I also happen to surround myself with others who (seem to) know how to do the same thing. I'm thankful for this, because otherwise there would be a lot of "laughing at you, not with you" moments-- and those tend to get awkward after the 7th or 8th time.
But laughter-- seriously, what a sweet gift and mystery. Where does it come from? I would say that I have a fair amount of friends/acquaintances in my life, and though a lot of us have a lot in common, a sense of humor is a very intricate thing. Some of my friends find what I find to be funny, funny... then others just give me a blank stare when I pull an Ace Ventura line out of my hat. (Even worse-- when I quote The Emperor's New Groove and the person just glazes over after I've explained the entire scene to them, and they STILL aren't laughing-- it shatters a small part of my soul).
While I hope you are looking for something to laugh about today/tonight, I know I've got one major thing that I have found to be laugh-worthy. Here it is: my life. If you've been alive for any serious amount of time (we will say over 4,380 days), surely you've heard the phrase "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans". Well, no one ever challenged me about the reciprocation of that little saying. If God wants to make me laugh, He can tell me His plans. Well, let me tell you something-- I'm laughing on the inside, and I'm laughing hard.
Do not, by any stretch of the imagination, think that I am unhappy or complaining for even a millisecond. I am beyond, beyond, beyond filled with joy and have an abundance to be grateful for. But if I were to time-travel and tell each of you where I thought I would be at 26 (almost 27-- send presents!), I'm pretty sure it would look a little different than what it actually is. In fact, here is what I would say:
"At 26, I think I will most likely be married, with one child, working in a counseling office of some sort-- living in a medium-sized suburban home, with a dog named Roger."
So, instead, here's what I've got: I am married (happily), no children (yet), no dog (yet-- but we have a cat that I would lose a major ligament for), not working in the counseling world (yet-- if ever), and NO house (are you kidding me, Chicago? $450,000 for a 3-bed? Pass).
While some might see this as an opportunity to be frustrated or pessimistic about what the future holds, I look at it as an opportunity to smile. In each and every day, I see how rich my life truly is (this is not an attempt to rub that in anyone's face, so please do not take it that way). Things may not be what I once thought they would be, but that is okay. The part that is truly important to me, and why I created this blog in the first place, is to find the importance of seeking God out in each and every area of my life. He gives us a reason to smile, even when times are really, really hard. I speak from experience-- most of August and September had a lot of teeth-grinding moments for me.
Why is this new career endeavor not working out? Why do I feel this immense rejection from individuals that I thought cared for me? What is it that You want me to do, exactly? Who have You made me to be, and what have You made me to do? How did I let my cat get so fat? (The first few questions were directed to God, if you hadn't caught that-- the last one was to myself. Poor Libby).
We all have questions about life, whether you believe in God or not. (Just as a word of encouragement, if you are seeking God-- you will find Him). But if you are just reading for reading's sake, please do not feel like I am preaching at anyone. That is why I have saved the scriptural reference for this blog for the bottom. My plan is to blog when led to about a scriptural passage, and to leave it at the bottom of the entry. That way, if you want to skip it, it will be easier to do.
So, something to reflect on, and a reason to smile:
Colossians 2:7 "Let your roots grow into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."
