I think every one of my dad’s sermons that I’ve heard or read opened with a bit of humor or personal story. It was his way of connecting – enticing the audience to want to listen and maybe even exhale a bit so they could take something deeper in.
My dad was a Presbyterian pastor for 40 years. So he kept a well curated stack of humor cards – little stories he read, heard, or observations that he typed onto 5×7 cards. Then he wrote in the margins when he used that particular item.
When we cleaned out his desk after he died 8 years ago, I was lucky enough to stumble on this stack. I pull it out regularly to have a little laugh with my dear dad. Now when I post one of them, I write my note next to his and it feels like a continuation.
I usually post something from this stack of humor cards on my personal blog on Sunday. This week I thought I’d share one of my favorites on Wise & Shine.
Tips on Love
(All questions answered by kids aged 5-10)
WHAT IS THE PROPER AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Once I’m done with kindergarten, I’m going to find me a wife. (Tom, 5)
WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. (Mike, 10)
WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and her own VCR, ‘cause she’ll want to have videos of the wedding. (Jim, 10)
Never kiss in front of other people. It’s a big embarrassing thing if anybody sees you. But if nobody sees you, I might be willing to try it with a handsome boy, but just for a few hours. (Kally, 9)
It’s never okay to kiss a boy. They always slobber all over you… that’s why I stopped doing it. (Jean, 10)
CONCERNING WHY LOVE HAPPENS BETWEEN TWO PARTICULAR PEOPLE
No one is sure why it happens but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That’s why perfume and deodorant are so popular. (Jan, 9)
I think you’re supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn’t supposed to be so painful. (Harlen, 8)
ON WHAT FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE
Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life. (Roger, 9)
If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don’t want to do it. It takes too long. (Leo, 7)
I’d love for you to check out and follow my latest project – The Heart of the Matter. It’s a blog of fantastic writers and thinkers delving into what matters in life (and also what doesn’t). You can find it at https://sharingtheheartofthematter.com
For most posts like this – a little story-telling mixed with philosophy, please visit my personal blog at https://wynneleon.wordpress.com You can also by my book about my father on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith
And if you want to follow me, you can find me on Instagram and Twitter @wynneleon
(featured photo from Pexels)
These are priceless—and HILARIOUS! Thank you so much for starting my day with a hearty chuckle!
So glad you enjoyed them (again?), Julia!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Priceless, hilarious, and … true? The first date description seems brutally accurate? 🙃
Wynne, your father sounds like a naturally gifted orator, not only from what you’ve described here, but also from the past, including the way he kept 3 key points max, his empathy, and more! And it seems you inherited this gift 💝
Geez, EW, you know how to make a girl feel good! Thanks for the compliment!
And yes to the first date description – isn’t that hilarious?! 🙂
Especially because it’s true (the compliment and the first date description both!)
Love it! Hilarious and brilliant
So much truth…right, JYP? 🙂
Cute! This was fun. Thanks
Always a nice break to enjoy the wisdom of kids, right? Thanks for commenting!
These are amazing! I can’t even choose a favorite (or there). Kids are so precious. LOL!
So glad you enjoyed them, Erin! 🙂
As usual, I love these gems! Hope your day was awesome!
So glad you loved them, Tamara! Hope you had a great day too! 🙂
I think Roger may be on to something. It’s the best run he will ever have.
ON WHAT FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE
Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life. (Roger, 9)
I agree, Don! And you have me laughing all over again! Thanks for the comment!
I agree! It’s a quotable quote and a real gem at that!
I just hope Roger didn’t have any first hand experience with avalanches by age 9…
Love, snow, or pebbles 🙃
Oh, dear sweet Harlen: “I think you’re supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn’t supposed to be so painful.” Wynne….that one had me rolling! 🤣🤣🤣
Hee, hee, hee – now I’m laughing again too! 🙂
🤪❤️🤪
Who knew I had a kindergarten deadline 😂
Oh, I’m laughing! That’s where I went wrong… 🙂
Thank you and your dad for the smile!
So glad you enjoyed them! 🙂
Hilarious anecdotes, Wynn. Your father certainly had the “personal touch!”
One thing I remember from my father’s children’s sermons ,which came before the regular sermon, is his “object lessons,” He once displayed a piece of driftwood with all the soft parts whittled out. He asked what it looked like, and when the kids said, “nothing!” he told them that’s what their lives would be if they did only what came easy. I think the adults enjoyed the children’s sermons as much as the children did! He also used many Aesop’s Fables in his sermons and got me hooked on them for life.
Oh wow – object lessons. Such a great idea – especially for kids sermons. And so interesting to use Aesop Fables as well. Isn’t it fun to think about these things our dads passed on to us, Cheryl?
These are great!! 😂 Sadly, 10 year old Mike might not be far off for some when talks about lying on the first date to get a second 😳🤔😂
I think you (and Mike) are right — but hopefully they are just little lies… 🙂
These are really funny Wynne!
So glad you enjoyed them, Cristiana!
Thanks for sharing these gems on love, Wynne!
Leo’s tip made my day 😂😂
Glad you liked them! Yes, Leo is hilarious. Good to be realistic about the time commitment. 🙂
Great stuff!