A Scotsman, a Tongan and a Hat

One of the funniest moments of our recent Mission Preparation Tour happened, as I stepped onto the coach one morning wearing my favourite cap.

Brad Wilcox was sitting near the front, spotted it immediately and said:

“Daryl, I like your hat.”

Without even thinking, I replied:

“It’s my favourite. You’re not getting it!”

Brad burst out laughing.

Now, the other mission leaders travelling with us were from Tonga, so Brad without missing a beat said: “What’s the difference between a Scotsman and a Tongan?”

There was just enough of a pause for me to wonder where on earth this was going.

Then came the punchline:

“He’d just give you the hat!”

That was it. We were gone. Absolutely helpless.

I’m not sure it did much for the international reputation of Scottish generosity, but it was one of those wonderfully spontaneous moments when the timing, the friendship and the sheer silliness of it all came together perfectly.

And every time I look at this photograph of Brad and me in Nauvoo, I think about that hat.

Thankfully, I still have it.

Brad still doesn’t. 😂

But perhaps there is a little Sunday lesson hiding somewhere in the laughter.

Paul reminded the Saints of the words of Jesus:

“…It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35

The truth is that discipleship continually invites us to loosen our grip.

Sometimes on possessions, or our time, our opinions, comforts or convenience.

Perhaps generosity begins when we stop asking, “What am I going to lose?” and begin asking, “What could I give?”

Even if, apparently, the answer is your favourite hat!

Although Brad…

you’re still not getting mine. 😄

What is your “favourite hat” – the thing you find hardest to let go of?