“Don’t Be So Serious”

Communications is becoming a lost art. You can have the best message in the world, but if you can’t get it across, it’s of no value.  I watched some of the Republican Presidential debate the other night. Heeding my mother’s advice to never discuss religion or politics, I won’t delve too deeply into the content of the debate, but I will comment on a few extraneous tidbits. 

I was amazed at the lack of catchy phrases or witty comments or basic humor. Perhaps the lamest attempt was a reference to Donald Trump as Donald Duck….. there wasn’t a murmur or snicker from the audience…. perhaps a few groans. I wonder what advisor came up with that one; he better rush to the plastic surgeon, change his name, and get out of town quickly. I’m tempted to send in the “ chocolate chip cookie story and monkey joke”? 

I recently stumbled across an article on “icebreakers”. I have to admit that I haven’t spent much time on this topic over the years….. almost none.  So what’s the value? Psychologist Anton Villado says “the right icebreaker can calm nerves, set the proper tone, and encourage people to open up.” Here are a few that he suggested:

• Would you rather be able to turn invisible or fly?
• Would you rather give up your computer or your smartphone?
• Would you rather explore space or the ocean depths?
• Would you rather have an endless supply of international first-class plane tickets or never have to pay for food at any restaurant?
• Would you rather have x-ray vision or super hearing?
• Would you rather be able to talk with animals or speak all of the world’s languages fluently?
• Would you rather be the funniest person in the room or the smartest?
• Would you rather be forced to sing along to every song you hear or dance to every song?

Hmmmmm, I wonder if Professor Villado was the one who came up with the Donald Duck quip? Yet to be fair, some of these icebreakers are a bit thought provoking. I am still debating whether “I‘d rather be the funniest person in the room or the smartest”.  Wow, what about being the least funny and least smart…… yikes. 

So Dave, what is the point of this BLOG? Well, I feel like I have the beginnings of a good BLOG, but I don’t have enough time to finish it. So let me end with a beautiful line from Hebrews chapter 12, that speaks of our wonderful savior and how he handled his many sufferings. “Let’s look to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:2-4) 

So may you and I focus on the joy that is set before us so that we also can endure the crosses that we are carrying this day. And if pondering whether “I would rather have x-ray vision or super hearing” allows us not take our self too serious and bring a smile to our face, then maybe that’s not so bad. And maybe it will even set us up for seeing the joy that is set before us. And that would be good news.