A sense of humour helps

Recalling 40 years as a military and a hospital chaplain: We love applause, the lift from the clapping of hands from a receptive audience. Once upon a time my parishioners presented me with a set of luggage. Were they trying to tell me something? Was this an ever-so-gentle hint that they had had it with my pastoral leadership? Do you recall this verse?
I do not love thee, Dr. Fell,The reason why, I cannot tell,But this alone I know full well,I do not love thee, Dr. Fell.Dr. Fell was a professor at Oxford University and these lines were probably written by one of his students. As kids, we were often told: “Names can never hurt me,” but we know for certain that words can hurt. Many a student ditches his beliefs to be “one of the gang.” In the early days of my ministry, I soon realized that it was disastrous to try to win a popularity contest. Christ told us that Christians would be lied about, reviled and persecuted. A newly-inducted young cleric complained about the lack of response and the continuous criticism. My advice was, “Wake up. There will always be a few who don't like you. Don't waste your time trying to placate them. Simply ignore them. You must make up your mind that you can't please everyone.” In the words of Mark Twain: “Nothing needs reforming so much as other people's habits.”
We like to be liked but prophets and reformers have always been unpopular. After many years of pastoral care, this retiree has learned that, “A sense of humour helps in the face of unjust criticism.”