Since I posted one of my sketches for you the other day, I might as well post another one, don't you think?
As you know, my blog is entitled "Random reflections of an incurable infracaninophile." Meaning, I love the underdog. Which is why I love Don Knotts so much. Knotts was a high-profile actor who played a very low status role. Growing up, I loved Barney Fife. Maybe it was because I was just as klutzy as he was. I never thought I would amount to much of anything. It seemed to take me forever before I found out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. When I met Becky in the cafeteria line at Biola, she knew almost immediately that I would become her husband. It took me 2 years and 8 months to figure it out. Knotts's line, "I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure," fit me perfectly. Like Knotts, however, I was eventually able to find humor in my quirks and imperfections. Today I can laugh at myself with ease, largely, I think, because of my age. People over 70 aren't going to dwell on their past mistakes and foibles. They prefer to laugh, learn, and move forward with joy and resilience. I've got this picture on my office wall at school. I look at it whenever I start to take myself too seriously. That mentor I mentioned in my last blog post? He once gave me a great piece of advice. "Dave, don't take yourself too seriously. Nobody else does." Knotts reminds me that even in its most ordinary moments, life can be a place where true happiness finds a home.
Through their wit, comedians like Don Knotts remind us of the transformative power of humor. I mean, can anybody look at that face and not laugh?