Add a little humor to your life

Humor in Uniform is a favorite section in the Reader’s Digest.  Having served as a soldier and Army Chaplain, for 20 years, in time of peace and for two years of war in Vietnam, I appreciate recognition given our soldiers, even if its humorous. Being rather serious and solemn by nature, I have a psychological need for entertainment, especially humor.  I meet this need for balance for jocularity by selecting cheerful TV programs to watch while exercising at the Athletic Club. When I get there early enough, I’ll watch my all time favorite, M.A.S.H.

For my own benefit, as well as that of listeners, when I give a homily at the Unitarian Church, I introduce the message with a humorous story. I find this is an effective means of gaining the attention of the congregation.  It also gives me some sense of calmness and peace of mind.

In one of my speaking  engagement s at the Church, I used the following humorous story:

“A middle aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God, she asked “Is my time up?”

“No, you have another 43 years, two months and eight days to live,” God said.

After the woman recovered, she decided that if she had that much time left, she was going to make the most of it.

She went to the hairdresser for a permanent and color rinse. Then she returned to the hospital for liposuction, a facelift and a tummy tuck.

After her last operation, she left the hospital. While crossing the street she was hit by a truck and killed.

When the woman got to heaven, she told God: “I thought you said I had another 40 years to live. Why didn’t you pull me from the path of the truck?”

God just shrugged. “I didn’t recognize you.”

– Norbert Robben, Topeka, Kansas

I recommend  joining us in finding and regaining humor today. Exercise your funny bone often.

Spring: An opportunity for spiritual renewal

Only a few more weeks and our trees will be budding with new leaves for the year 2009. It is fascinating to watch their transformation in the spring. This budding will be swiftly followed with out brilliantly colored songbirds building their nests among the newly sprung to life branches of the trees. The trees closest to the house will be occupied first, trees that enhance our lawns and the countryside.

In building our house six years ago, we had regular contractors for the project. We went the mile and invested thousands of dollars in the lawn and yard. We hired Tim, a professional landscaper, to plant shrubbery, sod and trees.

For us an appealing and robust lawn was a priority for the property. In childhood, I recall climbing, scaling the robust trees that grew on grandpa’s farm in the Ozarks of Missouri. I recall too climbing the persimmon tree to retrieve the ripened fruit for a snack. My cousin Leroy example emboldened me to climb to the highest branches. [Read more]

Creating legacy one day at a time

I celebrated my 70th birthday in Nashville at the Melting Pot Restaurant, with a fine dinner and festive atmosphere for this special occasion. Though born in the Missouri Ozarks, near Fort Leonard Wood, I am now and plan to remain a Tennessee resident and productive citizen in our community. At my age, I find it this to be an enriching place to live out my remaining 15-20 years.

Since turning 70, I am analyzing my situation,and have made the following observations: [Read more]

Kindness: A choice from the heart

John earned his daily bread repairing TVs and installing antennas in the small Missouri town of Dixon, population 1,200, near Fort Leonard Wood. His most outstanding characteristics were competency, dedication, caring and generosity. He was also known for his leadership, loquaciousness and communicative nature. His in-depth knowledge and understanding of spirituality endeared him to this Methodist Pastor.

On a quiet afternoon we sat in his office and workshop discussing many issues of the town, community, and nations. During this exchange he stated an idea that still resonates with me and to which I can still say “Amen.” Looking me in the eyes, he displayed his understanding of the teaching of religious leaders as he spoke.

“Pastor Charles,” he said, “I believe the teachings of Jesus can be summarized in one brief sentence: “Be kind to each other.’” [Read more]