Today’s reflection is for anyone who needs a smile right now–or a little laugh. Here are some amusing items I’ve come across within the past few months. I, for one, believe that laughter is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. Laughter is not only good for our cardiovascular system, it is good for helping us sustain a positive attitude toward life–even when we may be swimming in negativity. And laughter has another important effect: it unites us with other people. As pianist and comedian Victor Borge said, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” I hope you will find something here to smile or laugh about!
“At the start of her kindergarten class, the teacher told her students, “We’ll be inside for recess today, because it was raining on my way to work.” One student raised his hand and asked, “Where do you work?”
Why do seagulls fly over the sea? Because if they flew over the bay, they would be called baygulls!
A city in the state of Washington bought new snowplows and the locals were given the honor of naming the fleet. Three submissions were: Control + Salt + Delete… Scoop Dogg… Betty Whiteout.
Man #1: When I was young I dreamed that by the time I was 35 I’d have a stable full of horses, a big car, and a vacation home in Aspen.
Man #2: Have your dreams been fulfilled?
Man #1: Only one. I turned 35.
Isn’t it strange that “take out” can mean food… dating…. or murder?
My idea of a Super Bowl is a toilet that cleans itself.
Items from the real world:
Actual headlines: “Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge”… “Squad Helps Dog Bite Victim”… “Air Head Fired”…”Hospitals Are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors”… “Man Struck By Lightning Faces Battery Charges.”
Quiz Show Host: In 1863, which American President gave the Gettysburg Address?
Contestant: I don’t know. I wasn’t born yet.
Defense Attorney: Did your investigation determine why the victim was there?
Officer: No.
Defense Attorney: Why didn’t you ask him?
Officer: He was dead.
TV newsreporter: Police are still looking for the suspect–a woman described as 35 feet tall.
What do you call having your grandmother on speed-dial? Instagram.
Said by a psychologist: We’re not addressing the elephant under the carpet.
Sign outside a church: BE GONE SATIN YOU HAVE NO POWER HERE
Two actual reviews of the Grand Canyon:
“No plants, no life. It’s like a picture of death.”
“It’s too big… Also my wife decided to divorce me while we were there.”
Have you ever thought or said these things?
“I do many things well… none of which generate income.”
“It’s finally the weekend, so I’ll either stay home and wish I’d gone out, or I’ll go out and wish I’d stayed home.”
“Pretending to be a functioning adult is exhausting.”
“I didn’t mean to push all your buttons. I was just looking for ‘mute.'”
“I hate it when I plan my day and no one follows it.”
“I wish I could drop my body off at the gym and pick it back up when it’s ready.” (I wish I could drop my teeth off at the dentist’s too!)
That reminds me of what Woody Allen said, “I’m not afraid of dying. I just don’t want to be there.”
“Sometimes I meet people and feel sorry for their dog.”
Which leads us to dogs and cats…
Fun dog T-shirts:
Life happens. Dogs help.
I left my dog to be here… this better be good.
Be kind. Do good. Pet dogs.
You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it.
Fun cat T-shirts:
Life is better with coffee, cats, and books.
That’s what I do. I pet cats. I read books. I know things.
Mug shot of a cat holding this sign:
Yes, I did it.
No, I’m not sorry.
Yes, I will do it again.
One cat won’t fix all your problems. But three might.
For reflection:
I’d be interested in knowing: did any of these put a smile on your face?
Do you have anything to add that might help the rest of us smile?
Our hope and our laughter are ultimately grounded in our belief that God is with us always–through all the ups and downs in life. Here’s a consoling song that reminds us of God’s continual presence. Written by Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ, and performed by Fr. Silvino Borress, SJ, and friends, the song is called “I Am Ever With You.” May you hear God saying these words to you today…
I hope you’ll leave a comment below! I love hearing from you!
27 Responses
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
They ALL put a smile on my face! The song is beautiful! Thank you!
Punctuation humor: “Let’s eat grandma!” Oops! “Let’s eat, grandma!” Yes, commas save lives!
Beautiful song. Thank you.
Good morning, Melannie! Happy way to begin the day. I like many of these especially the one about “take out” and the first one about the teacher and student. The song by Fr. Arnel is also very nice. I always enjoy the photos and the video. Have a good day and thank you.
How lovely to begin the week with a smile! Thank you Sr. Melanie. Our lives and world can sometimes be so very sad and worriesome. It is good to re-center and remember that our God is near in all times. The joy of the Lord will be my strength!
Connie here from Chatham, Ontario. I needed this today. Thank you so much for all your posts! Maybe you know Chris Casseday from St. Mary’s. Sister-in-law. Also my mom was just at your church for an elders luncheon. God bless you!
I always look forward to your posts. You most certainly gave me a reason to smile this morning! My mother would say, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Also, thank you for sending along the beautiful hymn and it is so wonderful to know God is always with me!
Christine
Trying to feel tickled under the chin, laugh as hard as the three senior ladies, and smile like a dolphin. You helped better than any smiley pill. Thank you. (P.S. I’m anxiously awaiting for my copy of THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD to arrive in the mail)
Beautiful song great reflection to
Reflect with laughter is the key
To life. Blessings Kathy
One of my favorites from teaching 1st grade in North Carolina. A little boy, retelling the bible story of Lot and his wife, included this line. “If she looked back she woulda turned into a “piller case”.
Thank you! A smile works in many ways and you gave me many!
It’s been a long Monday and the song fit for me!
Thank you for the lift. These were really terrific. Yes they came at a very good time. As a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes high school in Cleveland, (1960)I thank the good Notre Dame sisters for a wonderful high school experience and education. God bless you all!
Melannie,
I love your blogs and share many of them with the ladies at a monthly social in an elderly housing. We are all believing Christians from different denominations, but all share our love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I was a protestant all my life, until becoming Catholic three years ago; one of the best decisions of my life. I received a gift of your book “When the Rain Speaks” and began reading your blogs. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of writing. This current theme will certainly be a hit for my gals. Everyone needs a good laugh.
Yours in Christ,
Leslie
Thank you so much, most of the jokes, sayings made me laugh and /or smile.
They were just what I needed today.
And the song, beautiful!!
Thank you!
That song was so comforting …like a whisper from the heavens
And the sayings sure brought smiles to my face and sp;irit.
Thank you for your wonderful sunflower thoughts
I always remember how Sarah laughed when told that she is going to have a son.
Oh…”I Am Ever With You” is one of my favorite songs. The lyrics and melody really touch me so. I especially connect with it because Fr. Arnel is personally known to me.
Good morning! I really enjoy your Monday morning messages, and I loved this one. The sentiments, the photos, and that beautiful song really lifted my spirits. Thank you for making my day brighter right from the start. May your day be blessed. Love, Beth 🌻
“Pretending to be a functioning adult is exhausting.” This my favorite one as we start a new school year.
Hi Sr. Melannie!
What can I say for the last couple of weeks you have been right on point with the message in your blogs. I would be hard pressed to say which saying tickled my funny bone most…they went from Hee! Hee! to full cardio exercise. And your choice of videos is spot on. I’ve enjoyed being read to & the song from “Curiosity”…”God Beyond All Names…” plays frequently in my head, especially the refrain. You give me something to look forward to in my e-mails. Thank you, Dear Lord for Sister’s wonderful talent!!!
I am a great lover of humor especially initiated by others. All of the comments in your blog brought a smile and some a laugh out loud. Thank you Melannie for the reminder that a smile can heal a multitude of sadness and anxiety. Would that we could all be like the dolphin, having a continuous smile on our face.
I love this!
I needed a smile today. Thank you.
Good morning everyone!
Laughter shared is so comforting & yes…it binds us together. It lightens our moods & gives comfort. I loved the comments on the dogs & cats! Talk about a gift from God! I often say that I like animals more than I like some people! Unconditional love, they will comfort you, make you laugh, & get you outdoors for some much needed respite!
; what a wonderful way to begin my day. The song at the end was a perfect ending. I thank God every day for my faith. And the sense of humor he has given me.
This was a lovely suprise. I loved the one about just trying to hit the mute button (I laughed out loud). And the dog and cat ones.
Thank you!
For when you find yourself stessing about something that’s really not important
“In a hundred years, this won’t matter, it barely matters now.”
This is gotten me past SO many times — persepective and a smile.
That’s a beautiful song! Thank you!
Today I needed smiles and laughter
and you provided. I wish others would do the same! “Keep me sane by omitting the pain” would be helpful.
I love the saying – Be the Reason Somebody Smiles Today.
I find if I look into the eyes of another and provide a genuine smile, I get one back, especially from men / all ages.
Why is that that?!?
Thank you so much for reminding me that laughter is so good for the soul. I hope I’m laughing on my death bed! 😂