I remember a few times in my life when things seemed so grim, so serious, that even a smile would have ruined that mood. Those were times, of course, when grim and serious were appropriate. Humor would not only seem out of place, but it would probably not be appreciated by anyone involved in the seriousness of the matter warranting the mood. However, there is definitely a time for humor, and sometimes it can change a somber or strained atmosphere into one of joy and even happiness.
I enjoy the statements in the Old Testament by Ecclesiastes, the one referred to as the Preacher, wherein he referred to a season and time for all things. (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8) “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”
I am a very sensitive person when it comes to spiritual matters; spiritual experiences touch me deeply and swiftly. I believe I first realized how sensitive I was to things of the spirit when I first read the Book of Mormon as a twenty year old serviceman. I kept feeling this warm moisture running down my cheeks and as it reached my mouth it had a distinct salty taste to it. I thought, at the time, that this was hardly a manly thing that was happening to me. I had always been raised to think that only girls cried, and, of course, sissies. For the first time in my life, I realized a side of religion that I had never experienced before; a side that swelled my heart and triggered a leak in my tear reservoir. That powerful spirit that emanated from the Book of Mormon became the catalyst that caused me to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Now, as an old man, I am even worse; almost anything of a touching and spiritual nature will set the flow going. It is especially embarrassing sitting in church where, I think, everyone must be looking at me. My wife understands and my children as well. They, if sitting beside me, will often put their hand on mine, I believe, to comfort the poor, sensitive, old man.
Interestingly, that same sensitivity to spiritual matters also makes me sensitive, as well, to life’s humor.
I am quick to laugh and quick to find humor in life. I have come to realize that humor has a very significant place in my life. Someone has said that laughter is great exercise; it is like you are jogging on the inside. For the healthy, it helps one to remain healthy; for those who are ill, humor will assist in the healing process. In regards to longevity, it is said that humor will cause one to live longer. I do believe that laughter is good medicine. Scientists are now saying that humor is also a sign of intelligence—the more humorous, the greater intelligence. Those of us quick to laugh like that finding, true or not.
We all experience comical events in our lives, but some may not allow themselves to appreciate them. Others may laugh, but feel a need to quickly recover, in order to maintain dignity. I am one who is quick to laugh, and I often think that Heavenly Father is probably getting a kick out of some of His children’s humorous antidotes as well. Need I remind us that He is the most intelligent of all. Even Bruce R. McConkie, (under Laughter, in ‘Mormon Doctrine’) stated; “Joyful laughter meets with divine approval, and when properly engaged in, it is wholesome and edifying.”
I believe that most of our great latter-day prophets found humor in life, too. My wife related a story to me about President Kimball. Many years ago his wife was invited to come and speak to a Relief Society group in Ogden and the sisters arranged to pick her up and then bring her back home after the event. President Kimball was still living in his house in Salt Lake and he walked out to the car with his wife to wish her well. As they were saying their farewells he said, “I will be a good boy while you are gone.” On their return, he met the car at their gate and the sisters heard President Kimball say, “I was a good boy, I didn’t put any beans in my nose.” Those who can still remember President Kimball will, also, remember his cute sense of humor.
By writing this I have revealed a few things about myself that I hope will be a catalyst to cause others to be introspective and take a closer look at themselves as well. Take time to evaluate your own sensitivity to life and the humor it provides. The humor that will ease burdens and cause you to appreciate and love others more readily, knowing that they, too, are funny human beings.
Even though, at times, my sensitivity has caused a little embarrassment for me, I am glad, for the most part, that I am the way I am. I love life, and I love the Lord and what He has revealed to us about us, in these latter days. Yes, there are times when humor is out of place, but remember always that “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven…a time to laugh,” so please enjoy one every day. Humor is often found in family history, as well, because our ancestors were human too.