A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
Proverbs 18:2

April fools! Sorry. We just couldn’t help ourselves today. After all, this day has a long and colorful tradition.

In 1957 the BBC news announced that thanks to a very mild winter, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. It accompanied this announcement with footage of Swiss peasants pulling strands of spaghetti down from trees. Huge numbers of viewers called the BBC wanting to know how they could grow their own spaghetti tree.

The Taco Bell Corporation, in 1996, announced it had bought the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell. Hundreds of outraged citizens called the National Historic Park in Philadelphia to express their anger.

Six years later, Burger King published a full page advertisement in USA Today announcing the introduction of a new item to their menu: a “Left-Handed Whopper” specially designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. According to the advertisement, all the condiments were rotated 180 degrees for the benefit of their left-handed customers. Thousands of customers went into restaurants to request the new sandwich.

It is the ability to take a joke, not make one, that proves you have a sense of humor. –Max Eastman

Of course, all of these were pranks played on April 1. The exact origin of the day is unknown, although some believe it could be based on a change to the Gregorian Calendar from the Julian Calendar and the resulting confusion that it created.

No matter its beginnings, April Fools’ Day provides ample opportunity for couples to have fun. In fact, did you know that this day also marks the beginning of National Couple Appreciation Month? It was founded to encourage couples to do something special and celebrate their relationship. And that’s no joke.

So on this April Fools’ Day we help you find a little levity in your relationship together – even if it comes from a silly prank. Why? Because laughter is good for the soul of your marriage.

Reflect and Respond

Ever played an April Fools’ joke on your spouse? What happened?

Go ahead, tell us in the comments.

Related Resource

product pictureSoul Friends

God brings us soul-friends to help in our spiritual journey, sometimes in predictable places: small groups, friendships, and mentors. But they’re sometimes found in places we don’t expect. Whether it’s a hidden guide, a member of a small group, or a friend we’ve had for years, these soul-friends all hold the potential to embody grace that enables us to take a next step in the unfolding journey of our faith.