THE DRESS

The dress. Most women have one. It’s the dress or outfit that measures how we look, whether we are the same size we were a year ago or even six months ago. It had been awhile since I had last checked. It was last weekend when, to my dismay, the cameras from church caught a glimpse of me ( we were sitting in the front due to Kev’s security assignment). I was horrified. Though I thought I looked nice when we left, I saw myself then as old, frumpy, and yes, the word no one wants to say out loud or in public, fat. As soon as we got home I tried on my “ reality “ check dress. It didn’t fit. It was at that moment that I became discouraged, even a little depressed. I even went to that dredded place of asking Kev if I was fat. And what do you think he said? Of course not! But, am I the same size I was awhile back? No. And that is where most of us have to make a decision. Looking back to what was can jeopardize your joy presently, and if not checked, your state of mind in the future. It can be the happy marriage you once had, the financial security that has now diminished, or the job that promised to “ be it “. It can also be that the future you had worked so hard for has changed forever. I loved what God said to Samuel when He was instructing Samuel on who would be the new king. God was not looking at the outward appearance but rather “ the heart of the man”. It’s easy to focus on the negatives of our lives. But it is the person who sees in the same lens as God…the heart… gratitude, uniqueness, your value….this is when you will find contentment, and peace of heart. God reminded me I have now lived a year longer than was predicted. I am still able to physically work out daily, care for others as a caregiver, contribute to Gods kingdom, to love others, and to be loved by my family and friends. So, instead of spending the rest of my time trying to fit back into my “ reality “ dress, I decided to donate it…to the woman who has found her sense of value and this dress will be her reward. How about you? What, in your past, is holding you from finding JOY today? I pray you can look to God for your peace today and your hope for tomorrow. Until then, I think it’s time to find a new outfit! Out with old, in with the new…..