For a while now, due to a variety of circumstances, I have been juggling a heavier than usual workload at home and the office. On the whole I believe I have been coping really well but I may have had an indicator to the contrary the other day.

I had spent some productive time in the office and headed home to have a couple of hours down time before heading out to a night time social activity. I was doing some tidying up in my room when I happened to look down at my shoes, and it was at this point I realised that I had been wearing an odd set of shoes all day.

They were both flat, they were both red, but they were definitely different. One of the pair was bright red leather and the other were maroon and suede. What surprised me was the fact that I had been wearing this mis-matched ensemble all day and not one person noticed it, including me.

While this situation was fairly simply rectified, I found it so amusing that I thought I would take a picture for my benefit. Then, because I thought some of my friends would also find it amusing, I decided to post this picture on Facebook. I was not prepared for the reaction that ensued.

At last count, 128 people reacted to the post (most with the laughing face) and over 40 people commented. Some shared how they have done something similar at some point in their lives, and others just appreciated a light-hearted story to brighten their day. Multiple people have since asked if I was now wearing matching shoes so the reach of this particular post has had a greater impact than I anticipated.

Why did I choose to make this little blunder public? Because it was just that, a LITTLE blunder, not an earth shattering mistake. Taking the opportunity to laugh at yourself is a healthy practice and ideal to help not take yourself too seriously. And by making it public I shared a smile with some who needed it.

It takes strength to be willing to laugh at yourself and there is a verse that affirms this in the Bible. In Proverbs 31 verse 25 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” This is taken from the middle of a passage describing the characteristics of an ideal woman.

Life is complicated enough with more than enough drama without taking the opportunity to lighten the moment whenever it may present itself. It doesn’t take much to bring a smile to the face of others, just a willingness to share some humour, even at your own expense.

Be blessed.