Sometimes you need an extra smile. Sometimes those around you need an extra laugh. Sometimes you need to make extra memories.
Sometimes… you need to wear a red hat.
Last Wednesday evening, feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and rather emotional, I talked with Dad and Mom about all I needed to get accomplished the next day. A ginormous amount of Christmas-candy (supposed-to-be-fun-stuff!) to be prepared, a messy house to clean and tidy, two days worth of laundry to be washed and put away, meals to think-through and concoct, a home to manage, music ministry opportunities for which to practice… All of this crowded my tired brain, along with the thought that Mom and Amanda would be unavailable due to important wedding preparations, and Jessi was taking Victoria, Susanna, and the littles out to run errands for the morning and possibly a portion of the afternoon. That left Lauren and I. Hmmmm.
As we neared the end of our conversation, knowing the lack of joy I was feeling, Dad gave me one of his gentle, almost mischievous smiles and said “You know what? While you do all of that, I think it would be really cool if you wore one of Cocoa’s chef hats!”
Now, to be brutally honest, the idea was not my first choice. I have never considered myself to be a hat person… and… a chef’s hat?! You know, one of those tall things that makes your head appear as though it were an acre of mushy earth under a host of rotting leaves in a damp forest that has sprouted one of those nasty, smushy, gray species of fungus. Uggghh!
()
But, as always, Dad’s little piece of advice was a good one. Lauren and I had so much fun that day, working together to bless our precious family.
And, you might be interested to know, the hat wasn’t so awful after all. It sparked many giggles and memories, and helped keep me reminded to enjoy the special moments the Lord gives me.
So, maybe today you need to wear a red hat. Or a purple one. Or maybe even a florescent, hurt-your-eyes-when-you-glance-at-it orange one! Maybe today you need a rekindling of joy in your heart as you labor for those you love.
The blessings of the Lord are all around you. Find something for which to be grateful and smile at it.
Or… wear a red hat.
Thank you so much Kathryn for sharing this! I can completely relate ALL THE WAY! This has been one of those weeks for me in every way imaginable. But in the end, like you said, I had a lot of fun. It was a really neat challenge to get everything completed, and find Christ at the center of it all.
One thing that seems to make life easier: sing while you work!
Love you!
What a beautiful testimony! Thank you for letting Christ in you bless and encourage me.
It truly is a choice to rejoice.
Hmmm…
a dad who will listen
a house to live in
clothes to wear
washer and dryer
siblings
musical abilities to share
food to eat – even chocolate!
a mother who taught you to cook
a wise father
red hats
the gift of writing…
Your Christmas blessing list is quite long Kathryn; thank you for sharing your heart.
I must add you to my Christmas Blessing list!
We concur. Red hats are fabulous. Recently we endeavored to have a mustache day!!!! Definitely a great way to get a new outlook 🙂
Cute!
I’m so glad I forgot about those oreo balls or I would have had to have made them myself. So happy to have waited until after the holidays to read this post. I’m not making any more sweet things. :o)
Missed seeing you all while we were just with family.
Just had to come look at the pictures of the Oreo Truffles one more time.
Resist Temptation, Resist Temptation, Resist Temptation, Repeat….