It is no secret that I like clothes! I am not a "clothes-horse". I do not own more clothes than I can wear. I love, love, love wearing dresses and I do not own a pair of jeans. I am extemely picky about what I will wear. Oh, and finding a sale on clothes I need and like, I confess, makes me one very delighted lady!
It's time to re-organize closets, give away what I no longer wear, shop for what I need and create order out of my collection. Naturally, my analytical mind began thinking. Maybe...our relationships could be compared to some of our clothing.
Suits> I love wearing suits! I recently gave away well over a dozen suits and still have some left...while hoping to purchase more. Suits bring out the "best" in us. They are more formal, dressy and acceptable for the most serious, special and honorable occasions. When I wear a suit, I feel I am presenting the best form of me I can possibly offer. It may not always be the most comfortable attire but it is meaningful enough for us that we are willing to invest our time, efforts and interests in what we truly value.
"Suit relationships" are those which we respect, value and perceive in such a way that we are willing to present our very best for others...whether at work, Church, special occasions, groups, etc.. We invest our greatest efforts and abilities to affirm support of what and who mean so much to us, even at the cost of ourselves and our comfort. I have enjoyed these relationships often and found them quite enjoyable, cherished and memorable!
Sweats> On a cold, wintry day, I love to put on my Virginia Tech sweatpants and football jersey. I thoroughly enjoy the warmth, comfort and ease I feel when I can just "be myself." I may wear limited cosmetics, put my hair in a messy ponytail and perhaps wear socks...but no shoes. This is not a time to be formal, reserved or uncomfortable. I can just relax...with no unnecessary concerns. I am content and secure...just as I am....plain and simple.
"Sweats relationships" are very precious to me. I love being around family and friends who know me...good and bad...yet still love me. I often think of my college days when we had our best talks in the dorm. We ate popcorn, watched tv, stayed up late...and shared life..real life. No pretention. Just relaxed, safe and comfortable life. My family is like this. We enjoy dressing up for special occasions. But when we return home, shoes are taken off, comfy clothes are put on and we share our hearts, souls, thoughts and even tears with one another. Such times are warm, serene and safe. I deeply appreciate those in my life I can feel this comfortable around...and know I am accepted, loved and embraced...no matter how imperfect I am.
Swimwear> Honestly, swimwear is a rare item in my closet. Long, long ago, I wore bikini swimsuits and less "binding" swimwear respectfully but freely. Those days are over! I could say it's because I am allergic to the sun...which is true. I could say it's because I don't look I did before pregnancies and multiple surgeries...which is also true. I could share lots of reasons for not wearing swimwear much anymore. But the main reason is...vulnerability. I find it most difficult to wear something that makes me more vulnerable, exposed, and sensitive for that proves even more my many, obvious imperfections.
"Swimwear relationships" are rare in life. Yet there are times when vulnerability, openness, and sensitive care are necessary for health and healing. It is difficult to share our deepest thoughts, fears, feelings, weaknesses...and scars with others. We find ourselves more exposed to another person who must be trustworthy, respectful and honor confidentiality. It is risky! But I thank God for the very, very few, yet essential vulnerable relationships He gave me. They know my innermost life that I could never reveal to others. These dear and trusted souls have walked beside me through the most delicate storms, valleys and challenges I occasionally face. I am vulnerable to them. I risk much by allowing them to see my wounds, scars, concerns and imperfections. Yet they honor my trust completely. They love me unconditionally. They care consistently. They never criticize or condemn me facetiously. They guide me tenderly and walk beside me faithfully. Interestingly, it is in these difficult relationships...that I am strengthened most. I thank God for these precious souls He works through so beautifully.
Suits, sweats and swimwear...I pray we honor Him by serving others in each capacity.
Dear God~Thank You for loving me no matter what I wear...suit, sweats or swimwear. I know You love me, hold me and heal me. May I treat others...in whatever relationships we share...with the dignity, sensitivity, hope, peace, joy and love You have given me. You continue to teach me that You, the One who knows me best...loves me most! ♥~thl
"Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory." Psalm 73: 23>24
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