I have to confess, dear readers, it has been so very long since I have been on an actual date, that I completely forgot about all the angst and anxiety associated with such an undertaking.  (or maybe that’s precisely why I did agree to said date, I had no memory of what I had experienced so long ago)  As it turns out, for me, all of my angst and anxiety are focused on one all important aspect of my impending date — WHAT TO WEAR?

This is the dilemma that is consuming my waking hours and keeping me up at night. What to wear?  Nothing I can think of seems right.  Too dressy, too casual, too outdated, (why is it still in my closet?) too loose, too tight, too conservative, too trendy, too plain, too uncomfortable (why did I buy it in the first place?), not right for the season, not right for the weather, wrong color, wrong style, not my best look, (do I even have a best look?), no wonder panic is setting in. My closets are full to overflowing but I have nothing acceptable to wear.  How is this even possible?  The saying, “water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink,” plays in my mind as I continue to go through my closet and drawers in search of that perfect article of clothing that I can wear on my date.

Now two things occur to me at this point.  I realize that I have managed to leave my house seven days a week appropriately dressed for work, church, the gym, errands, meeting friends and whatever else takes place away from home, for many years now.  And I do this successfully every day.  At least I think that is the case.  No fellow Target shoppers have ridiculed my attire to my face, my gym friends seem okay with whatever I show up in, and of course my church friends are accepting and grant me grace.  But I do have one very tough audience, my high school students — they would say something to my face.  (and sometimes do come to think of it)

Why don’t I just go shopping you might ask?  The answer is, because I have to know what it is that I am shopping for, in order for that to work.  And I have no clue, no clue what this perfect, yet elusive first date outfit looks like.  So I wouldn’t recognize it even if I came face to face with it in the store.  I need help, big time!

The words of Colossians 3:12-14 run through my mind, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other . . . Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  Now this is some good advice but I’m not sure my dilemma is decided.

Although I gotta admit, these intangible attributes are right for any occasion, they are always in style, never out of season or out of date, they look great on everyone, they fit every size, work for every age group; they are each person’s best color and best look.  These attributes are much more comfortable and becoming than their counterparts, which we often wear instead. (indifference, cruelty, pride, harshness, impatience and hatred are not a good look for anyone)  And love is the perfect outer garment or covering for the whole ensemble.

So, on second thought, maybe my dilemma isn’t that much of a dilemma after all. Whatever I wear, if I clothe myself with these attributes from Colossians, I will be well dressed indeed for any and every occasion.  Hopefully, my date will think so too.  (or he won’t notice what I’m actually wearing because of the dazzling effect of the intangible attributes with which God clothes His children AND God says that love covers over a multitude of sins, (1 Peter 4:8) even the most serious fashion faux pas.)

“And why do you worry about clothes?  See how the lilies of the field grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  . . .  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

sincerely,     Grace Day