I like to laugh – how about you? Telling or hearing a funny story, a good joke or seeing something funny makes me feel good. I think everybody likes to laugh – a good laugh, a good joke, is good therapy. On the other hand, a bad joke can bring a groan real fast. The Bible warns us that coarse joking, obscenity and fool’s talk are out of place and out of line for a Christian. (Ephesians 5:4) But humor, even a good belly laugh, loosens us up to enjoy life. It’s a contradiction to be a “Christian sad sack”. As Scripture says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” (Proverbs 17:22)
So here goes: George and wife Georgia went to the fair every year. For years he wanted them to ride the open cockpit airplane with the stunt pilot – it costs $50. She always said, “No, fifty dollars is fifty dollars.” Year after year – “No, fifty dollars is fifty dollars.” One year the pilot heard this same conversation he heard every year. He said, “If you can fly with me and neither of you screams or yells out during the flight – I’ll give it to you free.” They agreed, got in and took off into the wild blue yonder. The pilot did every trick, every dispsy-doodle trick he knew – but not a peep. When he landed he said to the husband, “I’m amazed! Neither of you screamed.” George said, “Well, I almost screamed when Georgia fell out of the plane – but fifty dollars is fifty dollars!”.
I love a good joke, I hope that one made you laugh a little. But I like the JOY Jesus bring better. His joy is full of love, it lasts and lasts and you can share Him with no fear of running out of joy. As Nehemiah said, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Got a good one to share?
Yours to live, love and laugh in Christ, Chuck Brannon