MIXING THE TWO

“I have often suggested that greater seriousness on our part about the spiritual life can also lead to a greater sense of fun and joy. If we know what we are about, we can then joke about it, and bring laughter into even the most mundane moments. That is the balance I want us all to achieve, the balance that will help us all in our responsibilities and help others in theirs. Sometimes this means taking risks and we need to find the courage to create and sustain joy within an authentic everyday life.” (From Ben Pink Dandelion, that’s his real name, it’s a long story)

His point is one I recommend very much. It is because so many of us were raised or converted to religious experience that had history in solemn customs and traditions that produced sober fearful adherents. Most of the Christians I knew growing up seemed unhappy, gloomy and ‘right.’ His remark: ‘I have often suggested that greater seriousness on our part about the spiritual life can also lead to a greater sense of fun and joy’ makes perfect sense to me. If we have been forgiven, set free, made clean, filled with joy and peace by the mercy of the Father through Jesus… that’s a serious spiritual transaction… then we should come out the other side full of joy, laughter and fun. That’s serious as well.

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” Jesus