Welcome to Five Minute Friday. I come willingly because whatever the prompt word for the week is, it forces me to think and let the words flow from the recesses of my heart and soul. It does the same for the hundreds of others who participate in the weekly exercise. We wait for the prompt, we let the word sink in, then free write for five minutes {or so}, visit fiveminutefriday.com, share our words and read the contributions from others in the group. It’s a win-win for all of us.
But don’t take my word for it. I’ve been sharing words about how valuable the exercise is from contributors as chronicled in Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat, compiled by Susan Shipe. Here’s an anonymous entry.
“One word. Five minute. No edits. No fine-tuning. Raw. Real. Get down writing. The way I like it.”
This week’s prompt is SMILE. The timer is set so it’s time to GO…
I love to smile. I like a good joke, especially if it’s somewhat clean and reflects the idiosyncrasies of humanity. I like to laugh out loud. And I try to make other people smile … through an unexpected word at an unexpected time.
Somehow, as Christians, we are painted with a broad brush that shows as unsmiling and always living in fear. It just ain’t so. We’re humans and if we can’t smile at ourselves, something is missing.
That’s the reason I dedicate one day of the week on my blog — Wednesday’s Midweek Mirth — to smiles and laughter. That’s why I shared a cartoon daily with my wife {I still do}. That’s why I send an encouraging word to family and friends, often with a humorous cartoon.
I believe in … STOP
… the words of Ecclesiastes 3, especially verse 4a, … a time to weep and a time to laugh … Yes, there is a time for everything — and everything has a time.
In my sometimes warped mind, I can see the positives — the smiles — amid the negatives. Even in the Bible, humor abounds — if you look for it.
I had to look it up, but I remembered an article by Robin Gallaher Branch, a Ph.D. in Hebrew Studies from the University of Texas-Austin, titled “Laughter in the Bible? Absolutely!” as a blog post for the Biblical Archaeology Society. It was on point. The one phrase that stood out was “Jesus must have been a compelling personality to keep the attention of crowds for days and the steadfast loyalty of at least twelve disciples for three years. In addition to being a riveting teacher whose words brought life, He was likely the kind of personality that was just fun to be around.”
That’s the Jesus I point people to … the fun Jesus … the fun Jesus with a message people can relate to … the fun Jesus who died a horrible death then laughed at Satan with an empty tomb.
The message doesn’t always have to be couched in fire and brimstone. Sometimes, a light touch can be more effective. That’s why I generally open my sermons with a little levity. It draws the congregation in and hopefully opens their ears and hearts to the point of the homily.
One of the misconceptions about being a Christian is non-Christians think we don’t know how to have fun or have a sense of humor. Trust me, if the Big Guy can have a sense of humor when it comes to dealing with us mere mortals, so can we.
The difference for Christians is we don’t have to debase ourselves or others to generate a smile. Laughter at life or ourselves is a gift from God.
In that spirit, I’ll leave with today’s note: Nillionaire adj. Someone having little to no money.
THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Three things in life that never comes back when gone: Time, Words, Opportunity.
The Light 
I remember that passage. A time to laugh. A time to weep. A time to love. A time to hate. A time to sow. A time to reap. This isn’t saying right or wrong. This is just saying that sometimes life can be like this. When we are born into this world, no one is promised a rose garden. We have to learn to do the best we can with our lives. Sometimes we succeed, and sometimes we fail. I believe we are supposed to receive as much joy and happiness from our lives as possible.
Keep smilin’ Joe.
Bruce
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I try
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Years ago I had a pastor walk by me and randomly say, “Jesus was funny.” I later found out that he was trying to remind people that Jesus lived a fully human life. It’s interesting to think about Jesus sitting back and smiling at this disciples goofing around, or maybe making a funny face at his mom to make her smile. I don’t know where I’m going with this. Just some random thoughts you made me think. =)
FMF #16, Amie
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The fun Jesus. I wonder if He was really sleeping in the boat or just playing with disciples. That’s what goes through my mind.
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I love your attitude! Let’s smile more!
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Let’s start a smile revolution!
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Aww that was lovely. God Bless fmf #14
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Thank you! Show the world the fun Jesus. Have a blessed week.
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I truly hear what you say for Midweek Mirth – have for a long time – as well as hearing other Protestant Christians speak, here and there, about the fear, the somberness, etc., and yet, not a single Christian I personally know, that I interact with, have I ever felt live in fear of God – or the world – or is too somber to laugh – I continue to be confused by this, as to me, if they are ‘Christians’, if they believe they always have a friend, if they trust they might make their plans, but God has a plan and will shove them into the path where their unique abilities are to be put best to use in service to another, I seriously, still, do not get why folks thing Christians are ‘so serious’ and never laugh –
At the funeral last week, of a mentor of mine, the sermon portion focused on ‘Mortality, not being afraid to die, not asking why someone, no matter how ‘good’ had to die, or wasn’t ‘saved’ from death by God’ musings/scripture and not only did I welcome that being said outloud to (in my world, finally!) but it has, overall, been the main topic of conversation with many, right in #2 spot behind the the loss of a beloved community member and how is his family faring? coversations this week in my world – –
And I never got the fear of speaking about death, or acknowledging mortality, nor do I understand the current culture that seems bent on being young and trying to live forever – but I especially do not understand that focus among Christians – because, well – you know why – – that said – Never a reason to not find a way to both laugh AND to make others smile – – this week, I went grocery shopping in store, not within my community – first time since…um….January? February? I hate to shop – am bulk buyer, shop direct/local and/or order in here and there – But, I bought beer, it was on sale and good price – and with my mask (now mandatory statewide, since…Thursday? ) I was asked for my ID – and I laughed and pulled it out and said, um….you can’t tell from the wrinkles around my eyes? and the cashier read from the screen, “Is customer obviously over 50?” and she said “Nope” and I laughed, said “you just made my DAY! WEEK! YEAR!” and handed her my ID – she looked at it and said, “Lookin’ good, mama!” – 🙂 And I still laugh about it every time I think about it, cuz when I wash my face, brush my hair/teeth in the morning, and look in the mirror, I think to myself, “Man, you STILL aren’t getting enough ZZ time – you look haggard” – – LOL
But, I still just laugh, when I take the 2.5 seconds to ‘check in with how I look” – – 🙂
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When you’re not afraid you can see the smiles. Good words.
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