Spring Wardrobe

Today’s Musing is from Margaret Fowler.

Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. —Colossians 3:12b (NIV)

Spring has come at last, even in Maine. It’s time to take a look at our spring wardrobe. Put away all the heavy jackets, sweaters, boots, scarves, and gloves. Get out the light stuff—shorts, tee shirts, sandals. Time for easier living, sunshine and warmth, outdoor fun. If you find extra clothes you no longer use, this is a good time to donate to the Salvation Army or other organizations that help those in need. When refugees arrive here with very little, they have nothing suitable for winter.

Here is a story of how I tried to add to my wardrobe. There was a small shop in our community that sold women’s clothes—dresses, blouses, accessories. I glanced in the display window and saw a lovely dress, dark red silk, stylish, and beautiful. I saw the price tag, $40, and thought that was reasonable, so I went inside. I timidly asked the clerk if I could try on the dress that was in the window, and she said, “You mean the one for $400?” Oh, no! I had not looked at the price carefully. One extra zero made a big difference. That dress would never be in my wardrobe! Embarrassed, I tried to leave without looking foolish, but of course, I must have looked foolish anyway.

In England during the war, we had ration cards, not just for food but for clothing as well. I remember my mother trying to save enough coupons to buy me a pretty dress to be a bridesmaid for my aunt’s wedding. When I look back at a picture of myself, I have to smile. The dress looked fine, but I was wearing my old lace-up school shoes! Not enough coupons for pretty shoes.

Jesus taught us that God provides for all our clothing needs! In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers 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—you of little faith?” —Matthew 6: 28-30 NIV

Let’s look more closely at our own wardrobes. In the morning, we decide what to wear for the day. For me, when I’m staying home to do housework, I wear my working clothes. If I’m going shopping or visiting, I choose something suitable for meeting people. More importantly, when I’m dressed and ready to go, it’s time to choose what to wear on my face! Yes! What kind of expression should I wear? After all, people look at faces more than clothes. If I’m going to the store, I should wear my friendly face, ready to smile or chat, maybe with the check-out lady or with friends I meet.

If I am visiting a lonely friend, I need to wear my listening ears. I used to spend time with such a friend, who chatted happily and told me her stories. When I left, she said, “Thank you for coming, we’ve had such a lovely conversation.” Actually, I had spoken very little, but just “being there,” clothed with my listening ears, made her happy.

With our listening ears, we should always wear our words with grace, with kindness on our faces, sharing what we can that will be helpful, offering hope or comfort or whatever is needed.

The Bible describes the Christian’s wardrobe. Here is a passage from Paul’s letter to the Colossians in The Message, a paraphrase of the Scriptures, easy to understand that teaches us how we are to dress:

So chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offence. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic all-purpose garment. Never be without it. —Colossians 3:12-14

Let’s wear our spring wardrobe with joy and thanksgiving, and above all else …Lord, please help me today, to be clothed with compassion and kindness, words that reflect your love, listening ears, and a heart that cares. May I truly wear love.

Margaret is Sharon’s Mum. She and her husband have had 66 years of marriage and four children. They enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, and just being outdoors, watching wildlife. Margaret plays the piano as part of a nursing home ministry. She has written many articles for her church newsletter, and some of these have been compiled into a book, Holding My Father’s Hand, available on Amazon.

Saved by grace,
Margaret Fowler

Sweet Selah Ministries

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