In your youth you picked up Life Skill #1: You developed a role to help you cope with life. Roles define us. They tell us and others who we are. Roles give us definition and establish a pattern of how we act.

Here are some examples of roles:

• Wizard (just kidding)
• Fixer
• Pleaser
• Controller
• Worrier
• Perfectionist
• Super Star
• Victim
• Caretaker

There are many more.

Most people know their roles. Roles help them cope and survive. But people who are over-defined by a role are often missing Life Skills #2 and #3.

Life Skill #2: The Skill of Resting

Rest is defined as times of minimal functioning and activity including peace of mind and no anxiety. Participating in rest is an important skill for every adult. We need to be able to work hard and also rest well.

Life Skill #3: The Skills of Humor and Laughter

Humor is defined as the quality of being funny, comical, and amusing. Laughter is defined as finding pleasure, being merry, and chuckling. Life is full of pain and suffering. Humor and laughter help us cope with the heaviness of life.

Prayer

Father, thank you that I am not a role. I am a child of God. Thank you for making me unique and gifted. And thank you for rest, humor, and laughter. Amen.

Bible Connection

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” – Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)