“Mom, who’s the funniest,” the question arose from the back seat of the Suburban as we traveled to the Big Apple. “I’m the funniest!” piped up Eric, our youngest. He was quickly corrected, “No, Meghan is the funny one.”
“She’s not really funny, we just say she’s funny because we respect her,“ offered the always insightful Luke. “Annie, are you ever funny?” I asked. “Mom, that’s not funny.” Annie defended herself. Dad gave her his support, “Oh yeah Annie, I remember that one time you were funny.” She rolled her eyes.
“What about me? Am I funny?” Luke wanted to know. Meghan piped up, “I remember you were funny last summer.” He glared. “Ok, here’s the order,” Eric said, “Meghan is the funniest, then Annie, then me, then Luke.” Luke retorted, “You can’t be funnier than me, I am older than you.” “I know,“ Eric pitched for his funny-slot, “but I’m always last and just because I’m the youngest doesn’t mean that I am not funnier than you.”
By now, I was in hysterics as I can’t believe our family is actually arguing over who’s the funniest! This was giving new meaning to the Joneses keeping up with the Joneses. “What about mom and dad?” I entered the contest. “Are we funny? We think we’re hilarious.” Annie dissed me, “Dad’s funny!” I responded, “I’m funny Annie, trust me.” Meghan summarized the whole thing, “Yeah mom, you and dad are really funny. When you’re not confident with your looks, go with being funny.” Bam!
I love it! At least we’ve raised a funny family. I’m sure there are a zillion things we probably should have done differently. We’ve likely scarred our children in some way, but the one thing we’ve done right – we’ve laughed a lot. I hope your family does the same! I’ve noticed that families that laugh a lot have special glue that bonds them together. Here’s some encouragement to lighten up your family. It’s a fine art, family humor – recognizing funny moments, dishing out appropriate “mocking” and making light of the most recent family crisis.
I’m not sure this is the proper way to teach our kids good sportsmanship, but it certainly diffused the tears and anger years ago after one basketball game where our daughter was able to play for all of 3 minutes. Just before she burst into tears, dad offered, “Honey, do you want me to wait in the parking lot and take out your coach?” (Great example – eh? He’s a pastor!) Our daughter’s tears instantly turned into belly laughs. “Yes Dad, let me help you!” By the time we had left the parking lot, they had planned the “crime”, were laughing and later that night he had the chance to give her a pep talk about good sportsmanship and respecting your coach, even when you feel slighted. The laughter opened the door for a teen to listen to some parental wisdom.
If it’s true that “the joy of the Lord is our strength”, then it makes sense to get funny. I’m thinking that laughter and joy is one of the most attractive things a Christian can carry; and better yet, a Christian family. The next time someone in your family is tempted to get mad or take life too seriously, find a way to laugh. School is starting, so you should have plenty of opportunities.
P.S. In case you wondered who won, I say that Jeff and I are tied for the funniest. My kids say I am third.
Beth
