Mayday! Mayday!

As a pastor’s wife, my busiest month of the year was May—do you find that to be so? I always sponsored a May Tea for our older girls and ladies. This was a big annual event, comparable to prom in high school. Attendance usually mirrored what our typical Sunday morning worship numbers would be including children and men—a testament to the hard work our ladies went to, inviting their friends. Guests entered our event area with jaws dropped and pupils dilated, wowed by the decorations and the spread of delectable delights. At first sight, expectations grew—they knew they were going to be pampered! We went out of our way to “love on them” (a great Texas phrase) and to make them feel special.

May is also busy because as a speaker, other churches and groups invite me to come share a message for their own banquets, teas and more. I love these opportunities and always say “yes” unless I’m already booked up. One time I even traveled 800 miles within 40 hours to be at 3 different locations on a Mother’s Day weekend!

By the time I returned home from my final event, counting my own church gathering, I was exhausted. Swollen feet, pounding temples, hunched-over shoulders. And my house was worse for the wear too. Piles of dishes from quickly cooked meals and bulk cooking for our buffet lines. Closet stuff strewn all over while searching for last-minute decorations or accessories for my outfits. A mess. My house was a mess, and I was a hot mess! I needed a Calgon-take-me-away-moment! Can you relate?

Pastors’ wives juggle a lot of activities in May. Not only women’s events, but also spending time with Mom, Mother-in-Law, our children’s mom appreciation moments, graduations, Memorial Day, family reunions, and the beginning of wedding season. This is also the month to plan for school being out, and summer vacations. No wonder when pilots are in distress, their signal is “Mayday, Mayday!”

If this is your busy month, what do you do to relax? What is your cure for the highly contagious spring fever? Do you daydream of playing hooky? What’s your idea of a play day? Try on this baker’s dozen for size:

• Gardening
• Walking in the park
• Reading a good book on a porch swing or hammock
• Riding bikes with someone more than half your age
• Shopping
• Sight-seeing
• Garage Saling
• Riding in a convertible with the top down
• Strolling the beach at sun-up or sun-down
• Flying a kite
• Bidding at an auction
• Taking high-tea with a friend
• Indulging in a spa treatment

Leave a comment to share what your own May activities are like, and your favorite daydream for a hooky day. And if you’re brave enough, commit to take off at least a half-day from the demands of life to savor some time. “Love on” yourself for a while, okay? You have my permission!

Light & Lively: His Reflection/Her Laughter

Kathy Carlton Willis gets jazzed speaking cross-country for women’s events and writers’ conferences. She’s known for her practical and humorous messages full of hope and insight. Kathy enjoys fiddling with words as: writer, publicist and writer’s coach at Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. She serves on faculty with CLASSeminars, is a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and others. Kathy shines, whether she’s shining the light on God’s writers and speakers, or reflecting God’s light during her programs. She served in full-time local church ministry with her husband for over twenty-five years.

KATHY CARLTON WILLIS
PERSONAL BLOG: http://imlivingoutloud.blogspot.com/
PROFESSIONAL BLOG: http://kcwcomm.blogspot.com/
WEB: http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/

Kathy speaks on a variety of subjects. Request a brochure like this one: http://bit.ly/b7KOXa