Our youngest granddaughter owns the book Pignic by Matt Phelan. Across the pages a family of pigs enjoys a day of outdoor activities until a storm threatens to spoil their fun.
But lots of rain makes lots of mud and the pigs make the messiest best of it.
Mirth in the mud.
For six months we’ve endured the nasty mud created by a virus-storm. It has washed out travel plans, beaten down get-togethers with family and friends, and lashed against such simple pleasures as shaking hands and hugging.
We need some mirth in this mud.
Our wise Heavenly Father, the Author of joy, gave us the ability to create laughter—with humor.
And with the pleasure of laughter comes great benefits for body, mind and spirit.*
So in celebration that the worst of Covid-19 is behind us, and the good news that vaccines hover on the horizon, let’s follow the example of the Pignic pigs and enjoy some mirth in the mud.
Take a few moments to wallow in some silliness:
“Eggs are fantastic for a fitness diet. If you don’t like the taste, just add cocoa, flour, sugar, butter, baking powder and cook at 350 for 30 minutes” (Anonymous).
“Tweet others as you want to be tweeted” (Unknown).
“To those of you who received honors, awards, and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you, too, can be president of the United States” (George W. Bush).
“Never doubt the courage of the French. They were the ones who discovered that snails are edible” (Doug Larson).
“All right everyone, line up alphabetically according to your height” (Casey Stengel).
“The Bible contains much that is relevant today, like Noah taking 40 days to find a place to park” (Curtis McDougall).
“If you’re too open-minded, your brains will fall out” (Lawrence Ferlinghetti).
“A stockbroker urged me to buy a stock that would triple its value every year. I told him, ‘At my age, I don’t even buy green bananas.’” (Claude Pepper).
“If you come to a fork in the road, take it” (Yogi Berra).
“And remember, laughing is like changing a baby’s diaper. It doesn’t solve any problems permanently, but it makes things more acceptable for a while” (Barbara Johnson).
No doubt you remember King Solomon’s wise observation too: “The cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15b). And what compounds the pleasure of a feast? Sharing it with someone.
So choose your favorites from the bits of mirth above and read them aloud to someone else. Make a joyful noise of chortles and chuckles together to multiply the pleasure and benefits of laughter.
Oh–and please leave one of your favorite one- or two-liners below for more mirth in the mud!
*You can read about some of those benefits in this post: The Most Beneficial Therapy
Art & photo credits: http://www.travelchatter.dailymail.co.uk; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.pxfuel.com; http://www.needpix.com; http://www.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pxfuel.com.
From the Inside Out 
Your dad always told me to include some jokes when we ministered in the nursing homes. He taught me the “comfortable” joke and the Sherlock Holmes joke. At 90, he was still able to tell them. I never saw your dad frown or be depressed.
As you know, in addition to the hundreds of jokes he knew, he was a master of the quip. At age 93, John and I sat with Dad, listening to classical music (of course). When we were young, he always had a symphony or concerto playing on the stereo. He frequently would ask, “Who wrote this one?” as Beethoven, Chopin, or Mendelssohn wafted through the house. I rarely knew! But this day in the nursing home, and with a bit more musical knowledge in my mental files, I said, “Dad! I know this one! It’s Grieg’s Piano Concerto #1!” And with impeccable timing, perfect inflection, and a twinkle in his eye, he asked, “What key?”
such joy here. Love it. Humor is healthy!!
How delightful this post brought you joy, Jean. Indeed, humor is healthy! (‘Love the alliteration of that statement too!)
Hi Nancy,
The joy of the Lord is our strength. I think laughter is a way to say we trust God and the problem isn’t too big for Him.
In Christ,
Gary
Love that insight about laughter being a way to demonstrate our trust in God, Gary! Thank you for sharing.
I remember years ago Steve mentioned in one of his sermons that God has a sense of humor. I look at some things and think God must be laughing. Thanks for this blog,it is such a blessing. Love you guys.
Yes, indeed, God has a sense of humor! All the YouTube videos of funny animals offer more than enough proof. So glad you find blessing here, Donna!
If I wasn’t so humble I’d think I was a genius.
One of the God complex physicians I worked for! 🤣
HA! But it makes me realize how easy it is to become proud of one’s humility. Your bit of humor also carries a lesson for us, Candace!
I read this with a smile on my face the entire time! Much needed mirth! Thank you! Here’s one for you:
Q. Who was the smartest man in the Bible?
A. Abraham. He knew a Lot.
That’s a good one, Cheri! Our middle granddaughter loves riddles. I’ll have to see if she knows this one!
Thank you for the smiles!
You are so welcome, Susan. My pleasure to make you smile!
Haha! I loved all of these Nancy! Thank you for adding joy to my day and I will pass it forward for sure!
Delighted I could add to your joy today, Lynn!