I teach middle school and I love it. One of the things that I enjoy so much is that I can be myself and they’re okay with it. I can be really weird. Anyone who knows you will confirm that!

One moment I can be carrying on a normal conversation and then crack a joke. I might start laughing at a comment I thought in my head. I might walk by a student and tap them on one shoulder and run the other way. One of my favorites is to accidentally bump them while they’re writing. I’m asking for it then because their writing is so sloppy, but it’s fun. It eases the tension and allows me to be me and hopefully it allows them to relax.

Just to be fair, I don’t do this to everyone – just most of them. All kidding aside, I want to make sure that I don’t humiliate them so I do try to be very aware of how they might respond. I will never intentionally humiliate a student. However, a little embarrassment can sometimes be good for the soul.

I’ve been known to miss my stool and fall on the floor!

I’ve been known to throw tennis balls at students. Usually they are paying attention!

I’ve even been known to spew coffee all over the front row if I start laughing too hard. That one, by the way, was not done on purpose!

The more I write the more I realize this post is begging for some philosophical explanation but I’m going to resist for now. All I want to do is share a few of the humorous thoughts that I have found and used over time. Only one of them is mine and I have no clue where the others came from. But I’ve certainly enjoyed them!

And now onto the humor…

If you say the word “yellow” slow enough it sounds like the word “gullible.”

When does 1×1=12?

Which is correct grammar? Seven plus five IS thirteen or seven plus five ARE thirteen?

“I see said the blind man to the deaf dog as he picked up his hammer and saw.”

Never argue with a dumb person. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

And my personal favorite:

Ask me if I’m a tree. When you ask me, by the way, the answer is no.

You can’t say you weren’t warned!

If you don’t know the answer to some of those leave me a comment and maybe I’ll enlighten you.

Either way, enjoy your week!

I have had an amazing time tonight. Do you know why? It’s because I’ve been laughing! That’s it, just laughing. I started watching videos tonight on YouTube and I just busted up. Most of the videos I was watching were from the Skit Guys. These guys are really funny and they pack a powerful message too.

It helped me to realize that maybe I can be a little uptight sometimes. Sometimes I take things too seriously. Sometimes I take myself too seriously. Then I begin to think too much and it just consumes me.

Tonight, I also had a fresh realization that I love what I do. I love working with youth. Sure, it has its moments, but I enjoy working as both a teacher and as a youth pastor. How many people can say they love their jobs? I can.

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weights him down, but a good word makes him glad (Proverbs 12:25, ESV).”

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22, ESV).”

These 2 verses could not be more appropriate. I probably don’t laugh enough. I need to relax and laugh more.

How about you? Do you get weighed down by life? Do you enjoy what you do? When is the last time you laughed so hard tears rolled down your face?

Some of you may not be able to do that right now. For those who are truly lamenting over a painful situation I empathize with you. Please take heart and know that, ultimately, your sorrow will soon be turned to joy (Revelation 21:4). I pray that God will give you His strength.

For everyone else, may I humbly suggest something? Do something just because it’s funny. Laugh at yourself, rent a funny video, go to the local mall and just watch the quirky things that people do.

Loosen up, love God, and love others.