Tuesday, November 7, 2017

From Strength to Strength...What's in Your Closet

Well, there’s no denying it now!  The seasons have changed, daylight savings time has kicked in, and… the shortened daylight hours are a reality. 


While most of us will probably admit to a vague internal battle with sadness, it is kind of nice having this pause between lawn mowing and snow shoveling.   It also is nice to have long cozy evenings to perhaps enjoy fireplaces or wood-burners…and having that “extra” time to dig into a good book.

Ahhh and isn’t it neat to replace the wafting grill aromas with soups and chili and perhaps homemade bread or rolls (at least on the weekends)?   I think it’s safe to say that most of us are ready to pull out our fleeces and sweaters as well. 

However, this all means one thing.  It’s that time again.  It’s time to tackle that dastardly deed…changing out the closets and drawers!   For moms of larger households, it is a daunting task that pretty much requires setting aside a whole morning or afternoon.  I smile as I think about years gone by. 

For me now, life is much simpler.  As I finally faced the job last week, my mind really wasn’t on the clothing.  It was focused instead on the choices.  Do I need this?  Could someone else benefit from this “still really nice, only gently worn” jacket?  In my new season of life is this suit, or dressy banquet dress or long velvet skirt still relevant?  And speaking of relevance, what joy that jeans are in!  Aside from a pair of basic black slacks, all I now need are clean, well-kept jeans that can be beautifully dressed up or down.  I’m free!!  I am free!!!

In the last blog I challenged you to stop and ask yourself some questions…..and then decide, what is the greater good?
  
Thinking about your responses, this week’s question is: what are you wearing in the midst of what you are doing?

Scripture has much to say about this.  Here are only a few verses: 

“The Lord reigns.  He is clothed with majesty; The Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength…”  Psalm 93:1.

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,…”  Isaiah 61:10.

“Therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” Colossians 3:12-13.
“The royal daughter is all glorious within, her clothing is woven with gold.  She shall be brought to the King in robes of many colors;..” Psalm 45:13-14. 
 
As you think about what’s in your closet, ask yourself:  What choices am I making?  What is my soul wearing today?
Picture