Today, in my mind's eye, I saw a snowman which then caused me to reflect on what a non serious, young, frivolous and fun activity it is to build a snowman. Amongst the wealth of inspirational messages of 19th century Ralph Waldo Emerson, are what I thought were surprising but actually, on reflection, wise words, "Be silly, Be honest and Be kind". I have put this advice up in my home to remind me to have fun sometimes, without forgetting to consider those around me. Contemporary inspirational Christian speaker, Nicky Gumbel, tells us that the ability to laugh at ourself is key to holiness. He further advises us to take Jesus seriously but to not take ourselves too seriously, with a sense of humour being a link between holiness and humility. CS Lewis, author of the classic "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" and many apologetics defending Christianity said, "How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing ...it is irresistible". Jesus Himself said that he has come to set the captives free (See Luke 4:18) and reminds his disciples to become like little children in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:3). We need humility and the liberating spirit of God.
