Good Humor

What brings good humor? It can be as simple as the wondrous contradiction that exist between the expected and surprise. Of course, I’d lean towards the latter. We like surprises, even when the situation makes us uncomfortable. I met a woman years ago of little means who, having said that about her situation, I’d also add her smile was the most attractive and contented I have ever set eyes upon. Her smile was so compelling that I lost track of my thoughts; it was that commanding. I commented to her, “You look very happy.” Her reply echoes in my memory today whenever I think on it. “I am, because I give myself away.” She must have seen my confusion at her reply, because after a few heart beats she added, “in smiles.” 

I believe what she meant, was as she demonstrated her contentment and joy, she would stir up the familiarity in others. Where they could experience once more the natural tendency towards happy they were born to be. Perhaps not, but that’s what I’d like to believe. 

In the mean time, a little humor goes a long way in a day fraught with challenging difficulties. After all, we can have fun discovering that our assumptions are completely wrong…it’s a choice of course, but I think if I can get used to seeking the humor in any situation, then I’m giving myself permission to imagine a peaceful existence absent of threat. 

Well, I guess I should end this reflection with a joke…it’s the humor that makes us relish laughing, is it not? 

The President was awakened one night by an urgent call from the Pentagon.

"Mr. President," said the four-star general, barely able to contain himself, "there's good news & bad news."

"Oh, no," muttered the President, "Well, let me have the bad news first."

"The bad news, sir, is that we've been invaded by creatures from another planet."

"Gosh, and the good news?"

"The good news, sir, is that they eat reporters and pee oil."