I was at work today when my boss came in to my office to ask me a question about Easter dresses for little girls (I have a 10-year old daughter).
First of all let me say that my daughter thinks my boss is the bees knees. She met her about two years ago and they instantly hit it off as my boss graciously listened to the precocious chatter of a young girl and shared similar likes (books, reading, etc) and even came up with a nickname for my son – Booger – although I should probably let her know that Farter is now more appropriate.
Anyway, said boss has the cool office with knick-knacks and bobble heads and trinkets galore, enough to entertain even the most easily bored person on the planet. Top off her super cool office with her genuine chuckle that makes me smile when I hear it (she also whistles now and again which is a happy sound to me). She’s just a really funny person.
She is also a very generous person. She’s given Little Miss cool books to read for her birthday, and for the past two Christmases has given some sort of food-providing program donation in honor of the company/coworkers. Christmas is usually the time I start thinking about being generous to others.
So what do dresses, little girls and my boss have in common?
Hang on I’m getting there.
Miss Boss came into my office today asking me about Easter dresses. You see, her church has a program akin to the Christmas tree where you pick up info on a youngster and provide an Easter outfit or other need for them. She’s getting a 10-year old girl a dress. And maybe some shoes. I wouldn’t put it past her to get a purse and a hat and gloves and a real-live bunny if she thought the little girl would enjoy it.
I thought it was so sweet and thoughtful of her. I remember when I was a little girl, even a young teenager, and going on the crazy, headache-inducing shopping trip that was “Find an Easter dress” with my mom. All the angst of shopping couldn’t douse my excitement Easter morning when I carefully pulled on my brand-new white tights, zipped up my new pretty dress, buckled up my white and unscuffed Mary Jane shoes (they always had black scuffs by the end of the day!) and put on my new hat and Easter gloves, topped off with a new Easter purse. The super girly ruffly-bottomed bloomers I never got, however. =)
I haven’t always been able to provide brand new Easter outfits for my own 10-year old, and I think her last 5 or 6 get-ups have been too-big hand-me-downs or just her best yes-I-know-you-wore-that-last-year-but-hush-and-put-it-on blouse and skirt. We always made do and my kids have never whined or complained about it in the end.
To know some little gal out there is going to be blessed with such a fine dress for a special day makes me feel positively good inside.
I shared this information with my daughter when I got home from work today. She’s inspired too, so much so that she wants to purchase a purse and earrings to give to Miss Boss to donate with her dress.
In reading this I’m aiming for a few things: I hope to inspire you to remember the fun of gussying up for Easter Sunday, whether you are off to church or to share a special family meal. This lovely Spring weather brings with it a reminder that life renews after a long season of gloomy cold, bringing brightness and joy along with colors of Easter flowers and colored-eggs.
New life brings hope to troubled seasons in life.
I see that newness reflected in my own family, particularly my daughter who had her own troubled season last year but is blossoming into a kind, empathetic and generous young lady. I hope her enthusiasm for Miss Boss’ generosity continues to grow as she seeks opportunities to give to others.
I hope you are all encouraged to look around your own church, synagogue, place of worship or community to see the current needs there: clothing, shoes, food, a new backpack, heck – even a hug. Be generous this Spring season and breathe new life into those around you with a positive and caring attitude.
Perhaps a (preapproved) trip with goodies to the children’s ward at the hospital, or woman’s shelter, orphanage or other helpful organization will give YOU the lift you need right now in addition to blessing someone else.
=)
