By Carla Brandt, Inspire Contributor
Life is just full of new beginnings, isn't it?
I mean, when you are born, everything is new, and as you grow, life is one new experience after another.
At some point, though, we reach the time when new experiences can be, well, painful and difficult to deal with. Like growing older. I never really thought about growing older because I was just too busy dealing with life as it came, one day at a time. Sure, I made plans for the future, but I guess it really never sank in that 'future' would also mean I would be older. Yuck! Life kind of sneaks up on you that way. You can either fight it (which ultimately you WILL lose) or enjoy it - which is definitely the healthier choice.
One of the nicest perks about being 'older' for me is being part of my Red Hat group at church - we call ourselves the Crimson Roses. Not all Red Hat groups are affiliated with a church, but I don't think I'd like to be in any other group. These ladies are so special, and we already have such close relationships, this is just another avenue for fellowship!
Everyone is familiar with the Red Hatters - it's really hard to miss us, after all - when we are out in full regalia of bright purple dresses or pantsuits, Red Hat accessories, which are endless, and of course, our red hats. The hats are really the most fun - I don't think I have seen two alike in all the times we have been out. We certainly strut our stuff when we're all decked out! There's something so special about dressing up like this - it takes me back to my childhood days of dressing up in old clothes and hats and having tea parties with my dolls. Who says you don't regress as you get older?
Our group varies in age from me (I boast to be the youngest in the group at 58!) to our eldest member, Marie, who is now going on 90. We're not a very big group, but get any number of 'girls' of any age together and see how much fun you can have! Our Queen Mom, Marcella, is also our ladies' Bible Study leader and Missions leader at church. She is a precious woman of God and a wonderful leader.
The monthly activities vary with the season - we have had a high tea in our church basement (THAT was a real dress-up affair!), gone to see movies and plays, and just out to have a nice dinner and be together. And do we get smiles wherever we go! One of our ladies has a sparkley JESUS pin that she wears on her red hat sometimes - it has proven to be a witnessing tool. Of course, we are Christian women, first and foremost, and always want to reflect Christ in everything we do.
One of the goals of our Red Hat group, I feel, is to present to the younger women in our church - and all who see us out and about - that growing older can still be fun, productive and energetic!
It is, after all, just another new beginning - a decision to live the life God has given us to the fullest - enjoying His gifts of friends and laughter - especially in the 'mature' years!
If you are 50 or older, I would encourage you to become part of a Red Hat group, or start one at your church. The laughter alone will keep you young at heart!
Carla Brandt is a member of the Crimson Roses Red Hatters at Vandover Baptist Church in Fenton, MO.