think about this--- for you:
I discovered a lot about myself during a recent cleaning expedition of my clothes closet. Blue stood out as my favorite color. How could I own so many blue tops? I found that somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I hold the fantasy I am going to fit into those size 10 jeans again. I believe my favorite outfits might someday come back in style. I noticed I am a splurge spender; some of the new-like attire I had worn only once. I bought them as spur of the moment purchases and then decided they were "just not me." With a glance at the floor, I recall my husband suggesting, "You might be a shoe-oholic." He could be right.
Summer-cleaning my closet became an adventure, a safari of sorts. I separated. I bagged and hauled out many worn, useless, too small, and hardly worn items. I sat down, exhausted after finishing my cleaning mission.
Then I asked myself, Why do I own so many clothing items that a full walk-in closet bursts at the seams? Two answers settled in my mind - God's blessings and my own self-indulgence.
Starting today, with God's help, I will attempt to put less value on my clothing and more significance on what I wear on the inside. The Apostle Paul said, "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Romans 13:14, NIV). I want others to see Jesus when they spend time with me.
In addition, I will purchase my clothes with more thought. Do I need it? Will I wear it?
If yes, I will remove one old item when I hang it in my closet. Also enduring styles, not fads, will populate my wardrobe. My closet will remain uncluttered by not adding trendy fashion attire.
Now about those shoes. I do love shoes, but I want to be a good steward of my money. Most shoes I own don't wear-out before they go out-of-fashion. Again, Paul advises us on our footwear, "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared (Ephesians 6:15, NLT). Now he doesn't infer I shouldn't wear stylish shoes, only that I take into consideration what the true importance is in life. So, I will determine a shoe budget and stick to it. Regardless of those strappy summer sandals on sale at the mall. I will not listen to the urge to buy, even if they are cheap and adorable.
Next year, I hope to find new clues to myself, when I do summer cleaning of my closet. I won't need to be worn-out from the chore.
Posted By: SIE aka george simons
Monday, August 15th 2005 at 10:41AM
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