A Time and a Place for Everything

Ethel Chadwick
bagelsandblessings.com


Everybody’s a comedian these days. The media loves to make fun of our leaders. You can’t turn on the TV without an ad or a show making fun of something or someone. Don’t get me wrong – I love humor and I love to laugh!

When is it appropriate to be funny? Should we be serious all the time? I think that wonderful chapter in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 applies here – there is definitely a time and a place for everything. For example, it would definitely be wrong to tell a joke at a funeral or when learning that a friend just fell off a roof. At times like these we must be tender, comforting and solemn.

But there are other times i.e. at parties, picnics, etc. when it is perfectly ok to be funny – as long as it is “PG.” Humor doesn’t have to be nasty or vulgar. It’s a mitzvah (good deed) to bring cheer and laughter to people.

I love to make people smile – especially when I’m shopping and waiting in line. People can be so cranky and miserable; for example, cashiers are tired from standing on their feet and people are in a hurry. Try smiling at people the next time you are out and about. And if the spirit moves you, make them laugh!

Laughter really is good medicine. It says so here:
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Proverbs 17:22 (TLV) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.


Ethel Chadwick