Of God, Folly and Laughter

There are three things which are real: God, human folly, and laughter. Thefirst two are beyond our comprehension. So we must do what we can with the third." - John Kennedy

Human emotions are a wonderful thing. We have a huge capacity to feel. There are extremes, the highs and the lows, the ups the downs, the sad and the happy. Conventional wisdom suggests that we are best served by maintaining something of an even emotional keel. I suspect that this is so. However, if one must be off-balance, it would be best to be a little too up,a little too happy, or a little too (if you'll pardon the expression) high.

Of late, I have watched with interest people who have lost their balance to the low side. I don't mean those who struggle from depression. Chronic depression takes a huge amount of energy and work. Believe me, I know. I refer to those struggling with circumstance; the people wallowing,whimpering, and wailing in a mire of unhappiness. The confusing part is that, if asked, they give a detailed explanation as to the cause of their unhappiness. Diagnosing the illness, naming the demon, and identifying the problem are always the first steps to healing and resolution. Yet, even with a complete understanding of the cause, they seem to be unable to exercise their freedom to step up and out of their circumstantial hole.

John Kennedy's statement is one of the most optimistic we could hear. Considering the circumstantial challenges facing him when he was President, it is delightful to know that he saw a place for "doing what we can with"laughter. I wonder if acceptance of the incomprehensible and the ability to laugh isn't the key to a door marked happiness.

We can be in places we have not chosen. We can be faced with outcomes and consequence we would not choose. Yet, we can force the laughter. Just doing so can and will make a difference.

So, this day, if you or someone you know is on the low side, force the laughter, theirs and your own. It is the most worthy project of all. It truly helps other people when you Take Fun Seriously.