Hot mess, Holy Reminder

 

The simple joys in life… they’re everywhere if we look for them. A nice walk. Quiet time with Jesus. A fresh hairstyle that lifts your mood. Joy is there… if we’re looking.

Life can feel overwhelming, full of hustle and daily demands. 

Usually, summer is my time to slow down and enjoy my boys being home. But this year has been different. My salon has been unusually busy, something I’m incredibly grateful for, even though it’s brought both blessings and challenges.

This week, though, I hit a wall. Between family, work, and ministry, my kitchen table was buried under papers, notes, and labels. In that moment of chaos, I lifted my hands and thanked the Lord that I wasn’t juggling college classes, too.

Then came the text… a friend asking about the back-to-school haircut event at church. That was my Sarah, you can’t do everything moment. I’m not a superhero. My “super suit” might include a Bible, a blow dryer, a hot pink wig, and now two cell phones… but no cape.

Oh, and in the middle of all this, I was also trying to apply for non-profit.

Yes… I think God was trying to get my attention.

I am a hot mess express most of the time.

We all have those dumpster-on-fire moments, don’t we? And when you’re standing in the middle of it, it’s hard to see any joy at all… just more mess in the mess.

That Wednesday, God whispered to my heart, Sarah, it’s okay to say no. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to admit you’re not okay right now. Take it one day at a time. Everything will fall into place.

I’m blessed with friends who can sense when I’m struggling, even when I try to hide it. One friend patiently listened as I poured it all out, helping me remember both my strengths and my limits.

By the end of that dumpster-fire day, I sighed and told the Lord, “Okay. I can’t do everything.” Honestly, I’d be fine if I had stretchy arms and two extra sets of legs, but the truth is… I’m stretched too thin.

The next morning, I sat at my salon desk, head resting on my unopened Bible, longing for a hug from Jesus. In the stillness, I became aware of my own breathing… a reminder of the life He gives. Then came the quiet whisper: Sarah, where is your joy?

“Oh Lord,” I answered, “in serving You and Your people.”

Later, I watched a client’s face light up over her new hairstyle. Pure joy.

So, my advice for the weeks ahead?

Find peace. Find joy.

Be still among the bumble bees. Oh they bring me joy! (If they scare you, maybe skip that one! Lol.) Remember, they only sting when threatened because they have just one life… just like us.

We only have one life. Let’s make it count. Let’s make Heaven crowded.

Share Jesus and His love. Love y’all! 💛