To laugh while preparing for the seasons ahead

by | Nov 21, 2022 | Dogs & Other Creatures, Faith, Family, Nature | 13 comments |

I had to laugh. Cato puppy had followed me up the trail behind our house and was looking around to see or hear why I had stopped. He loves to race through the woods on the mountain where we live in the Blue Ridge. But it wasn’t Cato who had caused me to explode with mirth, but the awesome beauty of the view.

When I took this picture on Saturday, I had just finished blowing leaves from the trail and the ditches along our driveway and down the mountain road. But on our way to church on Sunday morning, I noticed more leaves had fallen into the ditches—”as if I hadn’t done anything.” I sighed to Keith.

“Nature abhors a void,” he said. Again, I had to laugh. They don’t call this season “fall” for nothing.

Laugh for joy

Sunday’s service at church included the baptism of four-week-old Verity Grace. As her parents stood and watched, I couldn’t help but laugh for joy, even though I knew they had entered the long summer season of raising Verity from her first into her second stage of life.

Today, I will walk Cato down the mountain road to get the mail with one of our neighbors, who is in the winter season of life yet still active. During a recent visit, her son had suggested walking poles. Initially, she protested, preferring her cane. 

“If you get them, so will I,” I said. “We’ll be the talk of the neighborhood, two little old ladies with their walking poles.” We all had to laugh. And so, the two of us pole-walk, talk, laugh, and keep ourselves from falling.

Laugh at myself

I can be amusing, especially when I’m being particularly human—as with this story about my misplaced frugality. As long as we’re not demeaning ourselves or others, the ability to laugh at yourself is a healthy quality, no matter what season of life.

In a 2021 Psychology Today article titled “How Laughing at Yourself Can Be Good for Your Well-Being,” the authors concluded, “If we have good ego strength, finding humor in who we are or what we do not only reminds us of our humanness, but also promotes positive interpersonal interactions and relationships.”

Amen?

Laugh during Thanksgiving

Family gatherings, especially during holidays, can be both difficult and joyful. All the more reason why we should look for opportunities to laugh during this season.

Here are some silly Thanksgiving puns to make us laugh, from Good Housekeeping Magazine:

What did the turkey say to the computer? Google, google, google!

What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter? Pumpkin pi.

Why can’t you take turkeys to church? They use fowl language.

And this quip from Erma Bombeckthe woman who made the world laugh: “Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare. They are consumed in 12 minutes. Half-times take 12 minutes. This is not coincidence.

I wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving. And don’t forget to laugh.

Link up with Five Minute Friday: https://fiveminutefriday.com/2022/11/17/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-laugh/

13 Comments

  1. Crystal Byers

    I grew up with a cat named Cato. ❤️

    Reply
    • Carole Duff

      How funny! Our Cato is named about the Roman statesman and orator. He does like to “talk.”

      Reply
      • Crystal Byers

        We named our Cato after the Pink Panther character known for his sneak attacks.

        Reply
        • Carole Duff

          Ah! Very appropriate.

          Reply
  2. K.L. Hale

    Carole, what a beautiful post about laughter! I loved the quote, “Nature abhors a void!” Lol! I can certainly join in! There’s so much wisdom and life fun in your words. You remind us of the simplicity of smiling, neighbors, our blessings, and the best, our walks with Christ. 💛🦃 Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings!

    Reply
    • Carole Duff

      Thank you for reading and commenting, Karla, and for your witness. May God bless you mightily during this season of Thanksgiving. -C.D.

      Reply
      • K.L. Hale

        You’re welcome, C.D.. Thank you! Blessings! 💛

        Reply
  3. Gary Fultz

    Love it Carole. Yes, there will be laughter at the thanksgiving table. We resemble a group of story tellers that got loose. Fun times.

    Reply
    • Carole Duff

      Ah, Gary, how I love that phrase: “a group of story tellers that got loose.” May you have a blessed Thanksgiving

      Reply
  4. barefootlilylady

    I always love your posts, Carole. I’m going to have to look into those walking sticks. I have noticed several people using them as they walk at our park. Have a blessed and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    • Carole Duff

      Ah, thank you, Cindie — always lovely to hear from you and read your words of wisdom. I highly recommend walking sticks! Better balance, better exercise (both upper and lower body), and surprisingly faster pace. Four steps to every two pole strikes.

      I wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  5. bigskybuckeye

    Carole, thanks for sharing. I am a bit behind in reading your posts, but every moment spent here is a blessed one. While I am not quite ready for using a walking stick, I will keep it in mind. Blessings to you and Keith as our Advent journey continues.

    Reply
    • Carole Duff

      Thank you, Richard, for taking time to comment, especially when you’re catching up. I wish you a blessed Christmas! -C.D.

      Reply

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