Not-So-Serious Business

In every single one of my husband’s professional Army pictures, he looks so…

…angry.  (You thought I was going to say handsome, didn’t you? He does look handsome, but in a grouchy kind of way.)

I know, I know—it is kind of the culture. Our men in the military are tough guys, and these photos are for professional purposes, not for posting obnoxious selfies on Facebook or Twitter or for saving as our phone wallpaper.

Although I tease him about the intensity of his pictures, I have a slight confession to make: Sometimes I approach life the same way.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to smile, and in my “natural” environment, I am a giggly, bubbly person, but sometimes I allow myself to get bogged down with the “seriousness” of life. Then my attitude looks more somber and scary than even my hubby’s drill sergeant photo, and nobody wants to see that. #Terrifying

So today, we need to talk about some not-so-serious business: Life, laughter, and how they can work together.

Yes, the call to love our service members as military spouses can be hard and serious at times. There is certainly a time and place to hunker down, grit our teeth, and power through to the end of the tough season, rough day, or trial that is breathing down our neck.

However, other times, we really need to lighten up.

Chillax.

Simma’ down.

Whatever you want to call it. Just…enjoy.

After all, we know that old saying: “Don’t take life so seriously. None of us are getting out of it alive.”

Touché, random person that first said that, touché.

As I look around me, there are so many things to laugh about. My husband’s little quirks (um, the milk is left out on the counter overnight again?!) or my daughter’s new funny noises as she grows (the latest is this weird rooster-goose cackle when she sees something exciting).

Really though, there are so many moments in our days that can bring joy and laughter. However, if we are too preoccupied or determined to put on our grouchy face, focusing on the not-so-joyful things of the world, we miss the smile opportunity completely.

Here is a little fuel for your “humor fire” in the form of a few questions to hopefully make you chuckle:

• What is the deal with bubble wrap? I am a grown woman and can still spend hours aimlessly popping those delightful little air pockets. (I think it is my turn, BTW. Pass it over here!)
• Oh, and wet paint signs? Why don’t I believe that it is actually wet? When I see one of those signs, I am compelled to touch whatever claims to be freshly painted.
• Don’t even get me started on pantyhose. I know they aren’t the “trendy” thing to wear much these days, but it’s been a long Washington winter, and nobody needs to be blinded by my pasty white legs. So, I get that, but why are they so darn fragile? One wrong look and zip…game over. Le sigh.
• Why is it that an item I never use (book, pen, whatever) stays in view for weeks on end, but the one moment that I need it, it has disappeared never to be seen again?
• Also, I will never understand my brain. I can be dog-tired after a long day of work, yet chilling and peaceful…but the minute my head hits the pillow, thoughts start shooting through my brain like they just heard the starting bell at the Kentucky Derby.

What other humorous thoughts would you add to your list? Where do you find the most humor in your day? I would love to hear all about it in the comments below.

Dear friends, let’s commit to finding more ways to laugh in our life. Yes, we all go through hard seasons, but remember—they are just seasons, and even in the hardest times or lowest valleys, we can find joy and laughter.