Another installment from my dad’s humor cards.
The backstory: My dad was a Presbyterian pastor for 40 years. He kept a well curated stack of humor cards – little stories or observations that he typed onto 4×6 cards. Then he wrote in the margins when he used that particular item. His humor was often an easy way to settle in to something deeper – by laughing and thinking about the buried truth in these little nuggets, it paves the way to an open heart.
When we cleaned out his desk after he died 7 years ago, I was lucky enough to stumble on this stack. I pull it out regularly to have a little laugh with my dear Dad. Now when I post one of them, I write my note next to his and it feels like a continuation.
DEAR PASTORS
Dear Pastor, I know God loves everybody but He never met my sister. Yours sincerely, Arnold, Age 8, Nashville
Dear Pastor, Please say in your sermon that Peter Person has been a good boy all week. I am Peter Peterson. Sincerely, Pete, Age 9, Phoenix
Dear Pastor, My father should be a minister. Every day he gives us a sermon about something. Robert Anderson, age 11
Dear Pastor, I would like to go to heaven someday because I know my brother won’t be there. Stephen, Age 8, Chicago
Dear Pastor, I think a lot more people would come to your church if you moved it to Disneyland. Loreen, Age 9, Tacoma
Dear Pastor, I liked your sermon where you said that good health is more important than money, but I still want a raise in my allowance. Sincerely, Eleanor, Age 12 Sarasota
Dear Pastor, Please pray for all the airline pilots. I am flying to California tomorrow. Laurie, Age 10, New Year City
Dear Pastor, I hope to go to heaven some day but later than sooner. Love, Ellen, Age 9, Athens
Dear Pastor, Please say a prayer for our Little League team. We need God’s help or a new pitcher. Thank you, Alexander, Age 10, Raleigh
Dear Pastor, My father says I should learn the Ten Commandments. But I don’t think I want to because we have enough rules already in my house. Joshua. Age 10, South Pasadena
Dear Pastor, Are there any devils on earth? I think there may be one in my class. Carla. Age 10, Salina
Dear Pastor, I liked your sermon on Sunday, especially when it was finished. Ralph. Age 11, Akron
Dear Pastor, How does God know the good people from the bad people. Do you tell Him or does He read about it in the newspapers? Sincerely, Marie, Age 9, Lewiston
Kids are so precious! Love their points of view!
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It’s kinda refreshing when talking with an audience that doesn’t mince their words… 🙂 Happy Sunday, Tamara!
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Right?! Their perspectives are sometimes more accurate than when older people say something!
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Exactly!!
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OMG, too funny!
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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These are fantastic and I love that you shared them. The Disneyland comment is so true. Go to where the audience is! 😆Stephen, 8, from Chicago also made me chuckle about his brother not being in heaven.
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I’m laughing all over again reading your comment, Ab! 🙂 Hope you all have a great Sunday!
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Priceless—especially the one about “He never met my sister.” Thanks for the chuckles!
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I really like that one, too! Thanks for reading and laughing alongside me, Julia! 🙂 ❤
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PS: I’m sending this one off to the two Presbyterian ministers in my family. Perhaps your dad will send his humor through another sermon or two!
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I love this, Julia. Would that be great?
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I would have said “priceless,” but Julia Preston beat me to it. It’s great to have had a dad with a sense of humor.
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So well said, Dr. Stein! Humor goes a long way!
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Oh, I just love these! Such a treasure you have in your father’s cards. ❤️
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❤️❤️❤️
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Out of the mouth of babes .. so funny. What a precious gift you inherited.
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So true, Nancy!! ❤️❤️❤️
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Beginning with the opening “Dear Pastor” letter from Arnold, every one of these letters is hilarious 😀 😀 😀 Kids are more perceptive than we give them credit for.
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They are! And they seem to put the ineffable to words! ❤
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Love it! Hilarious. And how lovely that you continue your dad’s work and write in the margins.
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Thank you! It feels sweet and intimate to write my notes in the margins! ❤
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Hello Wynne,
Thank you for gracing us with this wonderful post. I found it incredibly moving because of this: “Now when I post one of them, I write my note next to his and it feels like a continuation.” I felt my heart quiver with precious memories of my mom and dad. The notes form the children were the proverbial icing on the cake. 🙏
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Thank you for visiting my blog, Art! I’m so glad that you like them. I feel the same way about penning those little notes next to my dads!!
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You’re welcome, Wynne. It was a pleasure to read them. Keep sharing…please.
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