To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.  Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

I’m grateful for the funny things we encounter through life. Thankful for words or actions that make us smile, appreciative of the wit and banter that cause us to laugh. After all, laughter is a divine medication, a Biblical therapy, and a God sent balm to take part of the sting out of the heavy stuff that comes our way. Which is why I look out for humour to lighten my load and why I make it a point to indulge in at least one hearty laugh every day. So join me as we consider these comic examples from actual label instructions on consumer goods:

On a Sears hairdryer: Do not use while sleeping.

On a bag of Fritos: You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.

On a bar of Dial soap: Directions – Use like regular soap.

On some Swann frozen dinners: Serving suggestion – defrost.

On a hotel shower cap: Fits one head.

On Tesco’s Tiramisu dessert (printed on the box bottom): Do not turn upside down.

On Mark’s & Spencer’s Bread Pudding: Product will be hot after heating.

On packaging for a Rowenta iron: Caution – do not iron clothes on body.

On Boots cough medicine for children: Do not drive car or operate machinery.

On Nytol sleep aid: Warning – may cause drowsiness.

On a Korean kitchen knife: Warning – keep out of children.

On a string of Chinese made Christmas lights: For indoor or outdoor use only.

On Sainsbury’s peanuts: Warning – contains peanuts.

On a child’s Superman costume: Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.

On an American Airlines packet of nuts: Instructions – open packet, eat nuts.

On a bird feeder: Opus warranties this Top Flight Lifetime Feeder for the lifetime of the product.

Now in case you’re still feeling serious let me assure you that I’m not advocating something superficial or shallow. I’m concerned about something more significant. I’m concerned about exercising a God-given gift; about developing a lighter heart; about seeing how God has filled the world with things worth a laugh (here’s looking at you!); about our spiritual, emotional and physical well being; and about the fact that there’s “a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh” Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.

The Christian can laugh, not because he’s blind to trials and tribulations, but because he’s convinced that these, in the light of eternity, are never terminal.