There was a TV show years ago titled, “Kids say the darnedest things”. Art Linkletter used to get young kids to embarrass their parents with answers to his questions. Because children are innocently honest, they can create some awkward moments at times for others. On the other hand, seasoned citizens like me create our own share of awkward moments, but usually at our own expense.
I will never forget the Sunday when our worship team at CLC introduced a new worship song to the congregation. It began, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.” I thought to myself, “There is nothing new about that song. I learned it many years ago as a young Christian.” So, while the rest of the congregation sang the chorus “Christ alone. Cornerstone” from the words on the screen; I was singing, “On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.” You should have seen the puzzled looks I got from the younger folks around me. (Just between you and me, I still sing those original words to myself. I love the reminder that it isn’t safe to stand anywhere else.)
Children are naïve and don’t even recognize those awkward moments they create. Old folks like me are far from naïve, but we are also far beyond being embarrassed. As a matter of fact, we see humor in those situations instead. I have mentioned before that my wife and I vowed to pray together and laugh together at least once every day. The older we got, the easier it was to laugh at ourselves.
As my mobility has worsened, people see me coming and hold the door for me. They invariably say, “Take your time.” I always smile and tell them, “I only have one speed these days and this is it.” It always brings a smile to their faces as well. In this world where people take every little thing so seriously, it is important to find something to smile or laugh about. One of the reasons I love to meet with my Christian brothers for breakfast on Saturday morning is that in addition to prayer and Bible discussions, we laugh together a lot. God has a sense of humor. Sometimes I look in the mirror in the morning at this old face and say, “If that is in your image, Lord, I feel sorry for you.” Then we share a big laugh. I know that God must shake His head and smile at all of the things His kids come up with.