This week's reader's question leaves me thankful for good girlfriends.
Which character did you have the most fun creating and why?
Gretta!
Like Gretta, a few of my gifted girlfriends can inject heavy moments with perfect doses of humor at ideal times.
No matter how serious the circumstances may be, I can count on them to transform tears of sorrow into tears of joy.
Some of my girlfriends can pull the zaniest stunts or speak the frankest truths and somehow emerge more endearing to others than ever before.
Spending time with friends like these is cheap therapy, lightening my heart and lifting my spirits--rejuvenating my soul.
Creating a character with similar traits had the same effect on me. To be honest, Gretta represents ingredients God skimped on when He created me. At the very least, He gave me a dash while those like Gretta received double fists full. Ingredients like the talent to be silly when the moment is tense, the willingness to damage self pride in order to help others smile. Instead, I often find myself paralyzed by the fear of what others might think if I toss my inhibitions aside.
Some may view people like Gretta as attention seekers, since all eyes end up on them. But I view shenanigans like Gretta's as displays of selflessness--willingness to risk personal embarrassment in order to help broken hearts heal.
When we are able to get ourselves out of the way like Gretta does in Delivery, we allow God more room to work. He certainly works through Gretta, even though her sister Livi would hesitate to admit it. Yet Livi may benefit most from Gretta's wacky ways.
How has the selfless act of a friend delivered joy into your life? How has a friend's humor rejuvenated your soul? Please share your experience in the comment section below because I'd love to hear about it!
Have you thanked that friend lately? How cool would it be to thank them with a Kindle 3G if you win my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway? A Kindle for you, a Kindle for them to brighten their day for brightening your life. See details on the "Contest" menu item above. Enter daily for more chances to win.
Step out of your comfort zone to be a little zany today in order to make someone smile, Gretta-style! And if you feel brave enough, stop back by to tell us about it. Share the gift!
I use humor when I feel nervous or uncomfortable. Sometimes it breaks the ice, sometimes it makes people think I'm nuts! Oh well, you can't please everyone, can you? I love to laugh and if I can make someone else laugh when they are feeling bad, it makes me feel good. Of course, most of the laughter I bring to other people is usually at my own expense! Half the time I'm not even trying to be funny, I'm just being me!
ReplyDeleteLaughter can also come from sadness. When I was young I learned that if I was laughing first it didn't hurt so much when others laughed at me. But I took the negative and made it a positive! So, ta-da, here I am! lol
Pam, you are just the kind of friend I'm talking about! You have a gift of lightening heavy times with humor, and everyone around you benefits--you included! What a blessing to be able to take a negative experience and make it positive. That's how God does some of His best work! Thanks for sharing your story and making me smile today!
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