Humor in Uniform is a favorite section in the Reader’s Digest. Having served as a soldier and Army Chaplain, for 20 years, in time of peac and for two years of war in Vietnam, I appreciate recognition given our soldiers, even if its humorous.Being rather serious and solemn by nature, I have a psychological need for entertainment, especially humor. I meet this need for balance for jocularity by selecting cheerful TV programs to watch while exercising at the Athletic Club. When I get there early enough, I’ll watch my all time favorite, M.A.S.H.
For my own benefit, as well as that of listeners, when I give a homily at the Unitarian Church, I introduce the message with a humorous story. I find this is an effective means of gaining the attention of the congregation. It also gives me some sense of calmness and peace of mind.
In one of my speaking engagement s at the Church, I used the following humorous story:
“A middle aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God, she asked “Is my time up?”
“No, you have another 43 years, two months and eight days to live,” God said.
After the woman recovered, she decided that if she had that much time left, she was going to make the most of it.
She went to the hairdresser for a permanent and color rinse. Then she returned to the hospital for liposuction, a facelift and a tummy tuck.
After her last operation, she left the hospital. While crossing the street she was hit by a truck and killed.
When the woman got to heaven, she told God: “I thought you said I had another 40 years to live. Why didn’t you pull me from the path of the truck?”
God just shrugged. “I didn’t recognize you.”
— Norbert Robben, Topeka, Kansas
I recommend joining us in finding and regaining humor today. Exercise your funny bone often.
