Monday October 29th, 2007
I am overwhelmed right now. I am in charge of our church’s Harvest Fair. Preparations began in June and I will not emerge from underneath the pile until sometime late Wednesday night. I have many, many people helping me, encouraging me, working for me, yet I am still overwhelmed.
My overwhelmed is one of worry, not knowing if what we planned will really happen as we hope, trying not to think about bad weather or wind, the pressure of being the decision-maker.
A couple weeks ago, I took Hope to Disneyland where we proceeded to wait in a forty-five minute line to see the Princesses. We had never done this before and I gave her many chances to get out of line to do something else. No, Mama. I want to see them. Neither I nor Hope knew what REALLY lay behind the faux-royal-wall of mystery. All we knew was that there were more than one Princess, but we didn’t know which ones.
Overwhelmed. Waves crashing over my head. Unprotected. Being buried under heavy loads.
Being overwhelmed is a strange thing…sometimes it makes a person freeze where they stand, or it can make somebody work even harder. Overwhelming circumstances even have the power to inspire. Right now, its just making me more tired than I already am.
A couple weeks ago, I took Hope to Disneyland where we proceeded to wait in a forty-five minute line to see the Princesses. We had never done this before and I gave her many chances to get out of line to do something else. No, Mama. I want to see them. Neither I nor Hope knew what REALLY lay behind the faux-royal-wall of mystery. All we knew was that there were more than one Princess, but we didn’t know which ones.
A long, hot line…a lot of wiggling and a little whining. Finally, we were ushered to the other side of the wall and there they were. First, Belle with her enormous yellow dress was waiting (it seemed to this little girl) ONLY for Hope. She beamed at Hope and spent several minutes talking to JUST HER. She asked her questions, they giggled together and Hope was overwhelmed. Good, overwhelmed. It was too much, because then there was Cinderella in the same manner (just her, waiting for Hope by herself), and Snow White and Pocahontas (a princess? I know.).
These pretend Princesses sitting on artificial thrones on a fake dais, each one waited and spoke only to Hope, making her feel special and unique. This overwhelmed her. I saw it on her face and she was a little shy and hesitant, but also accepted the attention and giggled back.
This overwhelmed, this good-inspiring-awesome overwhelmed, this look of amazement on my little girl’s face, this is all I need to remember when I feel like the waves are crashing on top of me. I know that its okay to be underneath the pile, because this what I am doing is all for them.
If this Harvest Fair was only for my two little girls, it would be worth all of the work.
Such swett pictures. I love the look on her face on the last one. It’s all worth it when you see that! I know that overwhelmed feeling, but I am sure that on Wednesday night you will say it was worth it.
It’s all worth it – and on Wednesday night you will see the fruits of your labor! Love the photos of Hope with the Princesses – so sweet! Praying for you and hoping the Harvest Fair is a success.
How cute is the one with Snow White holding her pigtail? Oh my.
Hang in there, you’ll make it!
I love the last picture where Snow White is holding Hope’s braid.
I hope the Harvest Fair is full of wonderful memories for you to look back on soon!
I just read someone else’s post about their trip to Disneyworld, and we are planning another one in February… it’s the day of Disney!
It made me think… all that fake royalty that makes us feel so special and beautiful… what will it be like to be welcomed into the throne room of the one true God, waiting for us, just for us? Silly comparison, but I forget sometimes that we do have a destiny. And yes, we will be overwhelmed.
Can’t wait.
Sarah, are we the same person?
I am also in charge of our churches “Harvest Celebration” (Nov.17th)
With Square Dancing, Clown, Chili Cook off,Pie Contest and more. I get in the middle of these events that I love to plan (really),and think what on earth have I done? I find I am spinning in so many directions, trying to not miss a thing. I too have to keep my eyes on the prize, and that too is my kids. I love to see them laugh, dance,sing, run and jump in our church.
I love to see them make GREAT memories, and fall more in love with the family of God.
I love to see the church family fall more in love with each other.
I love to see adults dance, laugh, celebrate each other and Gods goodness to us.
That is my prize. That is your prize! Can’t wait to hear about it.
Hey, we don’t have a clown, Denise! We do have a chili cookoff and a cakewalk and all that stuff. We do, however, in place of square dancing, no doubt, have a reptile room (all the kids love that).
Jennifer, I know what you mean and its not a silly comparison!
Thank you all for your comments! Off I go!
You can do it. I know you can. And Thursday morning, you’ll be so proud of yourself and your helpers and so happy with the results of all that work. Hang in there! The good stuff is yet to come.
Hang in there Sarah! Can’t wait to hear how it all goes. xoxo
Sweetness!
She will remember that moment forever.
Hope tomorrow goes smoothly for you! It will be worth it.
What a great reminder that there is a good kind of overwhelmed, too. I know that I tend to focus on the bad overwhelmed more.
I’m excited for you, and your Harvest Fair. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!!
And the pictures of Hope and the princesses are precious…it looks like that was a very special day for her!
amazing, girl! you did an awesome job last night!
love dad