Chasing after one’s hat is a concept that G.K. Chesterton wrote about. Using the phrase as this blog’s title is my way of reminding myself that adventures are all a matter of proper perspective. Chasing after a wind-blown hat is comical from the observer’s point of view, but it’s hard to remember the comedy when you’ve just missed the brim by a fingertip. Again.
It reminds me of Stranger Than Fiction, when Harold, the main character, is trying to figure out what kind of a life he has. He carries around a notebook and tallies each event under comedy or drama. Poor Harold couldn’t get far enough away from his story to see it properly. He had to have outside help, someone to make him aware of his story.
That’s what I need. And that’s why I love articles like GKC’s, and movies like Stranger Than Fiction. They help me see my story, if only for a little while. They remind me that all of our little dramas are working together to make the biggest drama. And if you just turn life on its head, following GKC’s example, you’ll see that it’s really all of our comedies that help create the ultimate comedy. France is my little comedy. I can’t wait to see what happens.
Kelly, your adventure is taking us all to other places and allows us to be removed from our own story -if just for a bit-to see from another perspective. Hopefully we will see God’s sense of humor just as you have.
Your comment reminds me Socrate’s saying, “An unexamined life is not worth living!” One must stand back a bit to be able to examine properly and not take oneself too seriously. On the other hand, if you aren’t serious about the matter, you won’t be examining to any conclusion…
I pray that you continue to find that balance.