When life bloopers happen – smile!

Learning another language usually comes with many challenges. To study the grammar and use it to communicate effectively is a lifelong journey. It requires learning the meaning of words, phrases, abbreviations and specific images. Not knowing, not being aware of mistakes in spelling or pronunciation can create a lot of “life bloopers” and many awkward moments which are not always funny but embarrassing and frustrating. Till now, I would rather say: “bed linen” instead of “bed sheets“ to avoid being caught on swearing.

When I first came to Australia one day one sister offered to give me a few lessons to drive around the property where we lived so I could get used to the left side of the road. In less than one minute from the moment we got into the car and started the first lap, she almost shouted: “Break! Break!”. “Why should we break?”–I thought–“if we just started”. Few minutes later I realised she was afraid that I was too close to the fence and wanted me to slow down (“brake”). The same word can mean more than one thing. Lack of words might bring some misunderstanding. Words which are too technical or sophisticated can bring confusion.

But this post is not exactly about the language. It is rather a reminder that no matter what we do, life bloopers happen. The awkward and embarrassing moments sometimes cannot be avoided. We might feel intimidated when our lack of understanding or unintentional words or actions confuse others. And there is nothing much we can do about it but smile and move on.

I like what Martin Niemoller* once said: If you can laugh at yourself; you are going to be fine. If you allow others to laugh with you, you will be great.

Laughing at yourself is difficult, but it is necessary. It gives you freedom to realise that you are not perfect and keeps you grounded and kind to others when they are in the similar situations. Laughter is a holy thing. It is as sacred as music and silence and solemnity, maybe more sacred. Laughter is like a prayer, like a bridge over which creatures tiptoe to meet each other. Laughter is like mercy; it heals. When you can laugh at yourself, you are free (Teo Loder)**

Many stories in the Bible show how God uses sense of humour to reach out to the people and make the relationships with them more friendly and intimate than others would expect God to be. He knows how to smile. Life bloopers happen but they can be used well. Next time it happens to you–SMILE. You might be closer to holiness than you think.

Have a great week, everyone.

Sr Grace

* Martin Niemoller, a German theologian and Lutheran pastor. He is best known for his opposition to the Nazi regime during the late 1930s and for his widely quoted 1946 poem “First they came …” 

**Ted Loder (2004). “Tracks in the Straw: Tales Spun from the Manger”, p.73, Augsburg Books

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