I Can't Drive 55

...but I can post 55 concurrent song titles! That's right -this is post #55 and yes, I have been sitting on that song until just this moment.

For those of you who thought I was insane, you'll be relieved to know that the ongoing stroll down musical memory lane was completely intentional. I was challenged back in December by Ron Millender to see just how long I could keep it up. Three months and 55 posts later -here we are. I have a personal goal of 100 but seriously, it's not as easy as you might think so don't hold me to it. Especially since I try to use songs that I know instead of downloading lists of every song written in the past twenty years. It may come to that but not yet.

Here are my post 55 thoughts. I think that today it became clear why Tim and I have had such a hard time letting go of our little beach trip. (You've noticed that, eh?) As I sat this morning holding the again feverish Bella, trying to figure out how to get three other children cleaned, greased, styled, dressed, and ready for church while managing my little cling-on, and discussing with Tim when or how he could come and get them so that Bella and I can stay home and not infect the rest of the world with whatever she has...it hit me. It's all about the hats.

At the beach, I only had to wear one hat (not counting the literal sunhat) -the wife hat. For three days I was a wife. Just a wife. And with that kind of limited focus, I can tell you, I was a dang good wife! And let's be real, it's a very rewarding job.

Back here in reality, I am a wife, pastor's wife, mom, friend, teacher, disciplinarian, chef, doctor, etc, etc, etc. You all know just what I'm saying 'cause you live it, too. Lots of different hats. And the same is true for Tim as well. "Beach Tim" was a husband. "Reality Tim" is a father, pastor, friend, accountability partner, counselor, administrator, etc, etc, etc. It's no wonder we find ourselves looking at each other and thinking who are you? The real question is more like which hat(s) are you wearing right now? If we happen to be wearing complimentary hats (husband/wife, Dad/Mom, Pastor/pastor's wife) life moves along fairly smoothly. It's those days when we find ourselves wearing different hats that conflict finds it's best feeding ground.

This morning for example: I was wearing my need to bathe four children, give constant instruction to three, home school two, while medicating and comforting one MOM hat. Tim was wearing his DAD hat under his need to get to church, staff meeting, 4:00 appointment, visitation tonight PASTOR hat.

The Dad hat prompted him to make this offer on the way out the door:

"If you need me to come home and do something just let me know."

My Mom hat replied immediately:

"I need you to come home and do something."

His Pastor hat stared at me with a pitiful how do I get out of this look.

See the potential for conflict? Fortunately, we didn't fight. My Mom hat whispered in my ear, Suck it up, babe. At least now you have an excuse for wearing your pajamas all day.

So, the next time you feel trouble with your mate bubbling under the surface, stop for a second and think about the hats you are wearing. And ladies, never forget: a good mom hat is the perfect accessory to any pj's.