I took my time. Did my hair. Painstakingly applied my make-up. Choose a cute outfit. Then another. Brushed my hair again. Used some hair spray and then some more. Even put on perfume--not that anyone can smell it through the photo, but hey, it sounded good.
All the while my youngest stood watch wondering why mom was getting "pretty". I certainly didn't look that way every day.
As I put on my mascara, and my little girl perched beside me, God took the time to speak to my heart. It was fun for her to see mom get all dolled up--we girls love to do that--but was I showing her the same dedication to my inside? Was my heart always dressed-up for her, or was it only on certain days that she saw me making my inside beautiful?
Because while there's nothing wrong with working on my outward appearance, none of it will matter if my inside doesn't outshine it.
Anyone else out there know what I'm saying? Which means we need to daily apply his patience to our short-tempered areas. His grace and mercy to our unforgiveness. His unfailing love to our expectations. His soothing words onto our tongues. Do we spend the time needed with him to change our inward appearance? Because a picture may last several years, but how we treat others will last for an eternity.
Simple thoughts today? Yes. But sometimes taking it back to the basic is exactly what we need. Hoping as you get ready this morning you put Christ on above all else~it'll make the biggest impression on those around you:)
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
(Now that's a perfume that is always noticed.)
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
(Now that's a perfume that is always noticed.)
Love this, Susan. Putting on Christ above all else...a fabulous goal for a Monday...well, and any day! Hope pictures went well. :)
ReplyDeleteThey did:) And I'm working on that every day inside of me too:)
DeleteWhat a great post.
ReplyDeleteI have sons and always thought my friends with daughters dress better/more in fashion than I did. I used to be all about the right outfit. I mean every day, not just picture day.
Sometimes I think the boys have it right. And you do too. Preparing our inside is the most important thing.
Thanks for sharing. (I guess it's to late to remind you to say cheese.) :)
LOL! I did say cheese, I'm great at being cheesy. And I agree, boys seem to have the whole getting-ready thing way easier!
DeleteA few years ago a friend of mine explained to me that every day she got up and dressed as though she was going to work--which she was--as a writer. I resisted this routine myself until about a year ago. Then suddenly it really did make sense. And in the same way, as you are talking about, that putting on of Christ, first, clothes us for readiness and to be an example and to be taken seriously. Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteAmen! Another great analogy, Carrie. I need Him on before any of me!
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