Can you laugh at yourself? Do you take yourself and life so seriously that you can’t laugh at your own blunders or decisions? Can you see life’s irony and just sit back and chuckle? Sadly, some can’t. I, on the other hand, have no trouble laughing at myself; in fact, I do it often.

The other day, after a shower, I was thinking about my day and what I needed to accomplish. Focused on the day rather than the moment, I went to apply what I thought was spray deodorant, only to realize it was for a different part of my body. (I’ll leave that to your imagination.) Did I laugh? You bet I did. In fact, I even called my children to tell them what happened, and they had a good laugh, too. Do I think I’ll have any ill effects from using the wrong spray? Well, if anything, I suppose my armpits won’t itch today.

I sometimes wonder whether our problem in life is that we are too serious. After all, life is about living, and laughter is part of it. Some see life as happening to them and, as such, view it from a victim’s perspective. We don’t always see life’s events as happening for us. In other words, events help teach us to grow and learn. Often, we will not learn in any other way. Yet, I’m sure you’ll agree, some are devastated by not getting something right. Failures or mistakes are not tolerated. Instead of stepping back and laughing at a situation, some sulk and brood over what another would see as spilled milk.

One of the things I love about the Bible is that it doesn’t hold back. The failures, bad choices, and the stupidity of man are laid bare for all to see. How many times did the Apostle Paul or Peter laugh out loud and wonder, “What was I thinking?” The follies of man are clearly evident, yet God still loves us and calls us into a relationship with Himself. I’ve often thought that as I laugh at myself, God is having a good laugh, too. Why? If I am created in His image and humor is part of who I am, then where did I get it but from the Creator? Think about it.