I Put the Popsicles in the Car

Rush here. Rush there. Make a list. Check off the list. Remember something that I forgot to put on the list. Add that item to the already created list. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out. Relax. There’s no time schedule. Remind myself everything will be fine. Have you experienced one of those days? Recently, as my husband Alan and I prepared for a family event, I let worry and stress take over. I know that is not the best way to handle any situation, yet my mind was working on overdrive.

The event was going to be wonderful. Time for family and friends to gather, share fun and fellowship and delicious food. Everyone was looking forward to being together, especially after being apart for most of the previous year. Each family volunteered to bring food or drink. Alan and I were asked to bring popsicles for dessert. The children and adults would enjoy the ice cold colorful treats on a hot and humid day. Popsicles were easy. A quick trip to the local grocery store and the treats were purchased and brought home. The box of popsicles would be placed in the freezer until time to leave for the “get together”.

As we returned home from the store, I looked over my “to do” list for the day. I had decided to note activities such as laundry, dusting, writing a devotion, sweeping the front porch, and other things that needed to be completed. Some days I use a list and other days, I don’t feel the need to check off any list. Alan noticed my whirlwind of movement while going from activity to activity. He stood and watched. A quick dusting here and there, folding laundry, sweeping the porch, and a glance at the list occupied me for a short while.

Then, as I asked one more time, “Do we have everything ready to go to the party? Beach chairs, sunscreen, beach towels, and hats?” We would enjoy the outdoors, but needed to be protected from the bright sunshine, so certain items were essential. My dear sweet husband looked at me and with a quiet voice said, “Yes, we are ready. I put the popsicles in the car.” That would have been fine except we weren’t scheduled to leave for another hour. “What did you say you did with the popsicles?” I almost yelled, until… I saw his big smile. Alan knew I needed some laughter that day. 

No, the popsicles were not in the car. They were in the freezer. When I realized he was joking, I paused, breathed in and out, and laughed a good belly laugh. The Lord slowed my thoughts and activities of the day. He allowed my husband to bring a bit of laughter into a busy day. There was no need to rush. No need for worry or stress. A box of popsicles and a husband who knows I love to laugh helped me find joy in the moment.

Yes, the popsicles arrived at the party still frozen. I was able to relax and enjoy a peaceful and fun day. The cold treats were delicious. There were purple, red, and orange lips and tongues on children and adults. More reasons to giggle.

Thank You Father for giving us laughter and joy in the simple moments.  “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NIV

Blessings,

Melissa Henderson