An aerial view: The virtue of humor

"Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it."
-Bill Cosby


When we ask mapquest for directions, why do you think we’re provided an aerial view of our search? Why aren’t we just given a read-out of the streets and freeways we’ll be looking for? Afterall, we’re driving or walking to our destination, not helicoptering.

Why do you think we get the sky-cam view of the action when watching a movie, or the news, or the nature channel? Isn’t it sufficient to see things from ground-level?

It’s about perspective. There’s something centering, even comforting, about seeing the big picture of where you are, and where you’re headed. Perspective is not just helpful, it’s life giving.

And it’s also a good place to begin understanding humor as a virtue.

Humor as a virtue is the ability to see the big picture, the aerial view of life, and then translate it into a message that is both enjoyable and illuminating. It can take the form of a reflection or joke, or it can be as simple as a word, a facial expression, or even a sound. (My grandfather, when he sensed that he’d gotten a bit preachy, would make a noise that sounded like hot air being released from a balloon.).

Humor as a virtue opens people up.


Humor as a virtue reveals what is true, but in a way that unburdens.


Humor as a virtue encourages people to grow up by not taking themselves too seriously.


Humor as a virtue uses laughter and levity to transcend pain, not cause it.


Humor as a virtue grows from humility, wisdom, and charity.

But humor is rarely considered as even a potential virtue.

Part of this is due to the fact that it’s commonly mistaken for silly-ness. And although there’s a time and place for silly-ness…for clown noses, cartoons, and The Three Stooges…it hardly qualifies as transformative.

However the greater obstacle to seeing humor as a virtue and utilizing it’s positive potential is that too often it’s used as a weapon. A person will gain perspective on the human condition, on the woundedness and weaknesses of others, and then attack for popularity, for influence, or for revenge.

What a wasted opportunity.

"Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it."

Life is difficult. It’s full of pressure, and disappointment, and struggle. Even the most fortunate have these realities to contend with. The virtue of humor makes life lighter…more enjoyable. It gives us perspective and insight about what we can change, what we can’t change, and how to find life in laughter whatever the circumstances.

We need to take it seriously.

Questions for reflection:


Do you think humor is more often used as a virtue or a weapon?
Who models the virtue of humor for you? How?
What is one thing you can begin doing to practice the virtue of humor?

Mothering Day

"The mother's heart is the child's school-room."
-Henry Ward Beecher

Mother's Day is a holy day indeed, a blessed day, a precious day. It is a day we should all celebrate if for no other reason...and there is not a more fundamental reason...than that our mothers chose life. We can and should be forever grateful for this. There is no greater gift.

But on Mother's Day I believe we should also celebrate ALL women who mother, for motherhood is certainly more than a physical act. We miss the true essence of motherhood if we reduce this sacred role to something wholly explained by obstetrics.

Those who mother bear hope.

Those who mother invest in the future.

Those who mother protect innocence.

Those who mother guide the vulnerable.

Those who mother teach about all that really matters.

Those who mother sacrifice for the Good.

Those who mother love and let go...and still love.

Happy Mother's Day, Happy Mothering Day, to all women who carry life, birth life, and nurture life in every way. "Thank you" is a good starting point, but not nearly enough!

Question for reflection: Who has mothered you?