Teacher party
Philippians 3:1, 4:10-13
As a pastor, I attend a lot of Christmas parties. The food is delicious, and the people are pleasant enough. But there was one party I attended at the elementary school where my wife works that was memorable. I just have to say, Teachers know how to party!
They started out giving silly gifts and singing Christmas tunes. But then, we were split into small groups to see who could decorate the best Christmas tree. What’s wild about that? Did I tell you that the tree being decorated was a fellow teacher? One poor soul had garland wrapped around her body and tinsel hanging everywhere. An angel was perched on her head and three candy canes were sticking out of her mouth while two more were hanging from her glasses.
I’m writing this because schoolteachers intimidated me. Why? They remind me of bad grades, stern looks and being sent to the principal. To this day, I cringe upon seeing red, the color of X and F marked on my papers, which always means bad boy!
After marrying a teacher and being around her colleagues, I’ve discovered that teachers are human. Most of them are dedicated to their profession and work hard at being good role models. After months of trying to teach and maintain discipline with twenty to thirty screaming children, it is understandable that teachers need to unwind. So, when the timing and the occasions are right these teachers know how to have fun.
Isn’t that the way it should be, for all of us? Paul sent this reminder to one of his churches. “Whatever happens, dear friends, may the Lord give you joy. I never get tired of telling you this. I am doing this for your own good.” (Phil 3:1) After seeing baby Jesus, the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God. Yes, we Christians have a serious task ahead. We are called to witness to the ends of the earth. But one important part of that witness needs to be our ability to give joy. In other words, we stuffy Christians need to laugh, not just occasionally, but often.
Laughter has a way of reducing the load and easing tension. Laughter increases the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Humor can also be an excellent way to break down barriers. A willingness to laugh at yourself often allows others the chance to feel comfortable around you, which invariably leads to more opportunities to be a witness.
“You’re 76 years old!” A little girl said to grandma reading her driver’s license.
“That’s right!” said the proud grandma.
The little girl smiled and said: “You also made an F in sex!”
Oops! There are those grades again! Now, don’t you feel better? May God bless you throughout the Christmas season and may next year, be full of joy!
Prayer Challenge: Plan for opportunities to experience joy next year.
A Daily Dose of Godly Encouragement: Medicine for Tough Days - Winter
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