Clothing yourself

“If you are going to touch up that spot that got missed, don’t you think you should put on your paint clothes first?” My wife’s question is as predictable as my reply. “It’s such a little job. I’ll be careful.” Unfortunately, the result is often just as predictable, and an unexpected paint splatter forces me to move yet another piece of clothing to the work-clothes pile. After nearly 50 years of such discussions with her, you’d think I would have learned by now.

This good and practical advice about clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and above all, love, needs to be heeded. Yet, too often, we seem doomed to ignore it. It’s not as though such clothing wouldn’t better suit our purpose. So why don’t we take more care? Why are we so slow to learn?

As New Year’s Eve approaches, some of us are considering what to wear. Many of us find special pleasure in selecting just the right clothing for a special occasion. Our pleasure grows when others show their appreciation for our selection.

As we bear with one another, every moment with others is special and presents the possibility of pleasing results. Thanks be to God.

Gracious God, help me take as great care with my choices as I would if accepting an invitation to your heavenly banquet. Amen. — KW