See You in the Funny Papers

Everyone approaches life and media with his/her own perspective and priorities filtering perception.  We are unique in our preconceptions and prejudices, informed by experiences, parentage, hopes, and hurts.  The old adage, "life is uncertain; eat dessert first" reflects such as this.  When I access a print newspaper, I find myself excited to view the comics section (otherwise known as the Funny Papers) first.  

At this point, I must extend an apology to anyone who followed me in viewing the same paper; because, if I was unable to completely survey the contents of the comics before the requirements of adulthood interrupted me, I have - more than once - absconded with those sweet bits of wit and whimsy...  

Please forgive me.

Now that confessions of petty larceny have been made, and hopes of mercy expressed, what's the point of this post?  Good question:  sometimes, I simply must begin where the muse sets me in motion; and in times such as these, I trust we will find our way together - adventure awaits!

What is it about humor and clever adaptations of prose and pictures that draws me to this minor and repeated act of theft?  Certainly, we all enjoy a good turn of phrase, wordplay, and jocularity.  Perhaps also alluring is the escape from the serious and somber truths of life impacting us from all angles, sensationalized and sent via media and public discourse.  We are all created by One whose imagination is undeniably reflected in the artist's renderings; and that tends to attract the mind, morsels of the thing the whole world hungers for - more of Him (Psalm 19).  Lastly, it is likely we see ourselves in the comics, the protagonists in our own stories, and sometimes we play the jester - either way, our capacity to laugh at ourselves makes us more resilient when things do not work in our favor.

Jotting with Johnna:

• When was the last time you let yourself play (read the funnies first)?
• How can you take yourself less seriously?
• Who makes you laugh when circumstances are lamentable?

Remember:  you are so very worthy of the playtime, the pause, the permission to have adventures amid your obligations.  

Stay focused.  Stay tuned.  Stay playful.