...and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:3-5Party: The best Christmas present this year was having my own personal shoppers for a day. I loved it! My sister is looking for bargains. My step-mom is looking for style. I’m only looking pants that fit! Four pairs of pants, three shirts, and one jacket later – I have style again! It was quite the adventure and I adored every minute of it! This Christmas joy was in Tampa, where my sister lives. So, the clothes stayed in their bags for a couple of days before emerging again in my home in West Palm Beach. Which means that ironing was sure to come!
Reality: They looked and felt so perfect in the store. Now, when I try to make them perfectly presentable, the imperfections start to show. A pulled thread here. A loose button there. A mark on the cuff. Why didn’t I see these before? Would I have said “no, thanks” had I known then what I know now? Is it fixable? Should I return it? If hadn’t noticed in the store, maybe no one else would notice on the street?
Then I began to see relationships. They looked and felt so perfect when we first met. There were wrinkles here and there, but the more I tried to make them perfect, the more the imperfections emerged. A ripped heart. A loose past. A stained mind. Why didn’t I see these before? (pride) Would I have turned from the relationship had I known (prejudice)? Should I consider fixing (more pride)? Should I refuse and return (more prejudice)? What will others think of my choice? (pride, pride, pride)?
Then I saw me on the other side of pride: fear that I would be the one rejected for my imperfections, hoping that no one notices. What of those who are allowed close enough to see my imperfections? Common wrinkles are one thing, stains are quite another.
There is wisdom in exercising discernment, but there is devastation in exercising pride and prejudice. Especially against ourselves. How then shall we live? Pray for said discernment: first in ourselves and also in others. Everyone has loose threads, and some have fabrics that are completely unraveling. All need to be brought to God – however closely we are knit together. Some are to be kept (in the light of God’s Truth), some are to be tossed (in cases of abuse). God will lead us from there…always as the only One who is worthy of smoothing out the wrinkles (which will always return for perfection's pressing).
By the way, the clothes (and the relationships) are off the ironing board and worn well! And…I think I’ll ask for “personal shopper day” as a new tradition!
Enjoy Him, Michelle
mlpack1@yahoo.com
4 comments:
That was awesome as usual… you truly have a gift for writing! -BM
I liked your blog. Your shopping trip sounds great, and leave it to you to get a wonderful spiritual lesson from it.
You know, I thought of that as I was ironing. I was thankful, as I have been searching for a long time to not only find Him in the mundane tasks of life but to be able to turn around and write about it in a devo style. This is what I have wanted and He is giving it to me. At least today. But I did think, as I was thankful, "is everything an analogy?" Speak to me and through me however, Jesus. May I always continue to learn and live in Your love.
I really like this one Michelle. I like it when you share yourself, (the pride and prejudice was good) and it makes me want to know more of you...so I encourage you to share more of your heart, your aches, your wrinkles. God bless you sister friend!
Post a Comment