We all need humor in this world! And as diversified as humanity is, humor can be found according to our personal whims as to what "tickles our funny bone". Humor is defined as that which is intended to induce laughter or amusement. Laughter can bubble up from the profound to the profain, depending on the context and inclination. Just listening to a child's laughter is good for the soul - there is nothing like hearing this innocent sound that can in turn, make you join in the good fun of simply laughing. There is a proverb 17:22... "a merry heart doeth good as a medicine....".
I was pleasantly surprised to learn this week that my favorite comic strip "Bloom Country and Outland" is coming back after a 25 year hiatus. Through comic depictions, a perception of life is given out of the mind of its creator, Berkeley Breathed. It is a satire that leaves no stone unturned as far as the 'stuff of life' is concerned. Anything is fair game in current affairs and some may call it
'politically incorrect', which can be a breath of fresh air during this time of increasingly extreme 'correctness'. Situations take form as interpreted through his cartoon characters, one such being as "Opus", a penguin who is a little weird but loveable.
 |
| He's b-a-a-a-c-k!! |
 |
| Flossing mind tartar! |
The world hasn't changed much in 25 years - yes, technology has sky
rocketed but the human condition has not in war and violence as depicted in the above comic strip. As it was
then and is now, after watching the news, how often do we need our
'dandelion break' and go to that secret place to find inner peace.
"A heart at peace gives life to the body...", Proverbs 14:30. That sanctuary or place within where we draw from the presence of God, saturates us in His peace. Our anxieties are quieted down and well-being is the result as we still ourselves in His Spirit. When Jesus walked this earth in human flesh, he also experienced human emotion, to name a few - sorrow, fear, hunger, thirst, compassion, and yes, even laughter. I love the pictures of a laughing Jesus as artists have drawn or painted their imagery as to how Jesus could look in the emotion of gladness or humor.
There are times not to take each other or oneself too seriously. We all need a good laugh now and then - our world seems to become a lighter place when humor can be used to dispel all sorts of negativity that would pull us down. The below description of laughter is a beautiful explanation of what laughter is and does.....
Click on the link below to find
out more about Bloom County. You may or may not enjoy but give Opus a
try - you might find yourself smiling....
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/07/13/422545636/bloom-county-2015-berkeley-breathed-revives-comic-strip
Until we meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday August 3, may you experience gladness of heart in your days....
I found this quote recently... "Nothing worth having comes easy", a rather true statement for anyone who has a personal vision, purpose or goal in their life. It takes dedication, commitment and hard work to turn a dream into a reality. It also takes patience and perseverance to overcome disappointments that seemingly block the intended outcome. But inward passion is the thrust that leaps over hurdles, never losing sight of the desired goal. Goals come in a variety of shapes and sizes but each one speaks personally to the inner heart of a man, woman and child. Once a person finds their inclination, it becomes their inspiration towards a particular calling or a career. Some may not realize their dream and struggle just to survive. It all lies within the setting of freedom - the environment necessary to make dreams come true in choice and opportunity.
For those who are in the profession of rancher and farmer, such hard work is apparent in preparation for the coming winter months. As you drive through the John Day Valley, the green pastures of spring and irrigated fields of summer are in varied stages in the production of hay. Grass and alfalfa fields are cut down in tidy rows awaiting the drying process before being bundled into bales of hay for livestock feeding. This is a simplified version of just one facet necessary in raising livestock. It is a cycle of activity for those involved in this lifestyle. And it takes a certain kind of individual to like this kind of life - to have that passion despite the ills that can come with it.
Several weeks ago, the horses were moving across the fields, oblivious to the human effort in keeping them well fed throughout the year including the ensuing winter. But they did make a nice photo shoot!
Yes! nothing worth having comes easy. "For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son...." (John 3:16).
Join me in two weeks on Monday, July 20th for more musings at The Turn-Up Patch.
