My freshman year of college I went home for Christmas like most kids. But I went home to another continent. I arrived in Urumqi, China to a BURSTING family. If you know me, you know I am a talker. Well times that by 3, because it’s genetic. Needless to say the car ride home was an exciting one with multiple conversations and stories happening all at once. Of course I arrived home and immediately had to pee. (Brace for punch line) Imagine my surprise when I open the bathroom door and there was a Unfortunately, I was in a hurry and did not see said turkey until I was in a somewhat compromised position on the toilet. As the turkey ran around the bathroom, I yelled, surprised, informing the household that there was a turkey ATTACKING ME WHILE I WAS PEEING. All I heard from the living room was a roar of laughter. Merry Christmas to Lily! My family had thought it would be funny to surprise me with Christmas dinner…live. After the initial shock, it was honestly the funniest thing ever. The poor turkey crapped all over the bathroom because he was so petrified. …What is the point of this story? Well #1, wild turkeys in bathrooms is just too funny. And as a secondary point, I love the humor and spontaneity my parents raised me with. As Amy Poehler said, “there’s power in looking silly, and not caring that you do." I grew up as a kid that never wanted to be embarrassed. I took myself too seriously to make goofy faces in pictures, I was too insecure to wear funny costumes, I always held myself back. Then I started leading with a group called YoungLife. YoungLife is where I learned the power of what Bob Goff calls “whimsy." Whimsy means “playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor." As a YoungLife leader I learned to not care about looking dumb, put myself out there, and act like the total goof that I was. There is something intense that happens when people get together, accept each other, and laugh their lungs out. Laughter breaks down walls and allows people to feel safe. I can say that with all of the fun and laughter I have experienced with my AMAZING YoungLife girls, the joy and whimsy has always been followed by true friendship. I think back about that turkey in the bathroom, and I just smile because my parent’s wild humor spoke so much love to me. Perhaps it is time to invite some whimsy into your life! Never underestimate the power of love and laughter. |
AuthorMy name is Lily. Archives
October 2016
Categories |