Ladies' Tea PartyWe had a delightful time last Sunday at Tea. What, I ask you, is there about organizing ladies' events that frightens me so? An innate sense of inadequacy rises to the surface drowning out compentency, past successful experiences, my usual sense of well-being and balance. It's as though I'm on a pinnacle and could either experience euphoria or a terrifying long fall to the bottom.
Maybe it's those motherless years when I attended "Ladies Auxiliary" meetings and felt so like a duck out of water. Maybe its based in those years of upbringing and not typically feminine activities -- working the fields, hunting, fishing, preparing game for meals. I was always good at sports and liked climbing trees, riding horses, hiking and baseball.
Maybe it's simply an expression of pride. After all, what is a "typical" female? Are we not all unique and different? Therefore, the "differentness" I feel is a universal experience.
And...maybe, just maybe, God will speak to me about this issue in the days to come.
But whatever comes. I had a lovely day. At tea we laughed, shared, and prayed together.
What's the old bulletin line? "A good time was had by all!" :)
Maybe it's those motherless years when I attended "Ladies Auxiliary" meetings and felt so like a duck out of water. Maybe its based in those years of upbringing and not typically feminine activities -- working the fields, hunting, fishing, preparing game for meals. I was always good at sports and liked climbing trees, riding horses, hiking and baseball.
Maybe it's simply an expression of pride. After all, what is a "typical" female? Are we not all unique and different? Therefore, the "differentness" I feel is a universal experience.
And...maybe, just maybe, God will speak to me about this issue in the days to come.
But whatever comes. I had a lovely day. At tea we laughed, shared, and prayed together.
What's the old bulletin line? "A good time was had by all!" :)
10 comments:
i totally love these pictures. i want to pull up a chair for sure!
It's a relief to hear someone else say this. I so relate. Over the last six years, I have facilitated a ladies bible study twice a month and organized a ladies spring lunch annually. I STILL have anxiety over the annual event. Everyone always seems to have a good time and enjoy it, but I think that even makes it harder because next year I feel pressure to do something "bigger and better"..I'm trying to let that all go and just hang loose. Do you have guest speakers at yours? Format? I like ours to be fun and uplifting even if there is a speaker..If you want to share some of your ideas/past successes..I won't be turning them away.
The Young Pastor's Wife :)
I loved your edible fruit centerpieces - what a great idea!!
And way to go out of your comfort zone to do something unfamiliar and scary! It's in those moments we can trust God is totally at work in our hearts, and that's always an amazing feeling.
Thanks for sharing such lovely photos of the ladies at your Tea Party. Looking at them remind me of some Red Hat events I’ve attended and had a most enjoyable time.
Hugs and blessings,
I'm so glad you had such a good time. Lovely photos. What is the reference to all of the motherless years? I can't imagine why you worry, you are amazing.
Lovely pictures, lovely ladies! Glad you all had a good tea!
You are so lovely, PJ. And I love your transparency.
I can so relate in this situation. I was a total tomboy, and I hunted and fished with my dad too (rabbit/pheasant/turkey). Actually I tagged along and videotaped, decked out in my camo. I grew up eating wildlife, I miss it. But anyway, I'm so unrefined compared to the other girls.
I'm not in a Bible study with the other moms my age right now, I'm in the precepts class instead. This time my Bible study class is all people with kids who are grown up and out of the house. I don't waste a minute worrying about if I'm wearing the right thing or if my hair is right, etc. I just wear my sweatshirt and tennies and let myself get totally engrossed in the lesson. At first I was concerned that I might not make friends more my age, but I tell you what, I'm right where I need to be! And those other people in my class are becoming so dear to me. I'm learning SO MUCH from them! But even when I run into the other moms my age when I go to get my kids from the nursery after Bible study, I still wonder what they think of me and get all paranoid that I don't measure up. It's so sad that I let my thoughts go down that path at CHURCH. Everyone is accepted (or supposed to be!) at church.
I'll be praying for you that God will speak to you about it (and me too!) When you hear from him, would you please pass the message along to me? Thanks :)
Thanks for visiting. Your tea looked like a wonderful time. I enjoyed your boxing story- I was a bit of tomboy myself.
Thanks for coming by! :) I love the photos. I'm blown away by the centerpieces- too cute! I've had my share of ups and downs of Ladies' activities! :) I hear you!
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