April 19 Martha's Musings

My father, Samuel M. Johnson, Sr., was a funny guy. He even dreamed humorously. Once, in his early 60’s, he had a dream after which he awoke laughing. In his dream, he had decided to change careers and become a rock star. His plan was to grow his sideburns long, then market himself as “Sammy Silversides”. When he attempted to share the dream with our family, he had trouble telling it because he kept laughing so much. (His great-grandson, Stuart, has this same trait.) A sense of humor is a gift. It is one of the few things that don’t get old, even though the birthdays fly by. Remember George Burns? His sense of humor was great, especially when he was cast as “God” in the old movie, “Oh God”, co-starring John Denver. I recall that when asked about errors in creation, God’s reply was that he made the avocado seed too large. Obviously, a human interpretation which has no basis in reality, as man does not know the mind of the Almighty. But Mr. Burns did manage to get a laugh, and John Denver was a great sidekick. I love funny old movies, as Dad and I watched them together when I was growing up. Cary Grant was also a favorite: “Arsenic and Old Lace” was hysterical. I am sharing these memories with all of you so that when life gets you down – and it will – always remember that God has blessed us with the gift of humor, our own and that of others. He did not have to do this for us, He just did, which makes me think that the Creator loves a good laugh as much as anyone else. We are, after all, created in His image. And I picture God with a great big smile. Always laughing with us, never at us. What an amazing gift that is!

Blessings,
Martha Arizpe, St. John’s Prayer Team