Lessons from a Clown

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! (Psalm 84:11-12 ESV). Since this month holds the birthday of Red Skelton, I did a little research to look into the life of this beloved American clown. He was born into a circus family on July 18, 1913. At the youthful age of 10, he joined Doc Lewis' traveling medicine show and has delighted an audience of millions with his warm comedy and humble love. He has performed from sawdust rings to Carnegie Hall; played a command performance before the Queen at Royal Abert Hall; entertained eight US Presidents and rendered private performances for three Popes. For his talents, Mr. Skelton has been awarded the Screen Actors Guild Award, been inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, is a 33rd Degree Mason and has received the "Footprints in the Sands of Time" award, which is one of the highest honors the art world can bestow upon an artist. For decades, on the stage, movies, radio and television, audiences have thrilled and applauded Red Skelton's comic genius for his repertoire of lovable characters. These interpretations so impressed his audiences that his characters have become a true part of Americana. Who can forget Freddie the Freeloader, Clem Kiddlehopper, Junior, the Mean Widdle Kid, Willie Lump Lump, San Fernando Red, Sheriff Deadeye, Cauliflower McPugg, Bolivar Shagnasty, George Apppleby, Mickey the Rat, Gertrude and Heatcliff. There are two lessons from quotes of Red Skelton that seem to stand out from all the others as I read the Bible verses today.  The first is: "My mother told me something I've never forgotten: 'Don't take life too seriously, son, you don't come out of it alive anyway." I’m sure that if you watched him at all during his career you remember that line very well. There is a nugget of truth hidden in it that brings great peace. In our lives there is often the temptation to get lost in the moment and forget the ultimate end of them. We really are on a journey that ends in heaven. Whatever momentary setback you may be experiencing, it really is just momentary. God has a much greater plan for you!  And, secondly, who could forget his traditional TV sign-off: "Good night, and may God bless." The psalmist reminds us, No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right. Happy are those who trust in Him. God’s blessing is so much more than mere words. It is a real, tangible part of the believer’s life. When life seems to be overwhelming to you, picture in your mind that lovable character of Red Skelton, hat in hand, at the end of each performance saying, “Good night, and may God bless.” Then remember that the blessing of God is truly yours!