October 2

On October 2, 1950, Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz launched in seven newspapers via United Feature Syndicate. The very first daily shows Shermy and Patty watching Charlie Brown walk by, ending with Shermy’s dry line: “Good ol’ Charlie Brown… how I hate him!” Just two days later (Oct 4), Snoopy made his first appearance. Color Sunday pages began in 1952, and the cast steadily expanded—Schroeder (1951), Lucy (1952), Linus (1952), Peppermint Patty (1966), Franklin (1968), and Woodstock (1970).

From that small start, Peanuts grew into a global staple—published in thousands of newspapers across dozens of countries, with nearly 18,000 strips created over 50 years. It also jumped to TV with “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965), winning major awards and cementing the Vince Guaraldi sound. Schulz drew the strip himself until he passed on February 12, 2000; the final original strip ran the next day, February 13, 2000. Simple drawings, honest feelings, and a cast you remember—that’s why the debut matters.

Prayer for Lightness and Laughter

God of joy,

Lighten my heart and loosen the knots of worry.

Teach me holy humor—so I can laugh at myself before I laugh at anyone else.

Keep me serious about people, but not about my ego.

Give me eyes to spot grace in ordinary, ridiculous moments.

Help me carry hard things with a soft spirit and an easy smile.

Let my presence lift rooms, my words ease tension, and my work spark hope.

Guard me from cynicism; steer me toward wonder.

Remind me that perfection isn’t required—only grace and a grin.

Amen.

Reflection Questions

What am I taking way too seriously right now?

How can I loosen my grip on that one thing? If it feels heavy, what would it look like to laugh at it, release it, or see it with a lighter perspective?