beWARM

For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  Psalm 139:13

We are awaiting the imminent birth of our new grandson in the next few days!  Amidst my prayers for his safe arrival into the world, my thoughts turn to wondering exactly what this precious little guy will look like.  Will he be a towhead  like Leif (and Enza), or have Kristy’s dark hair – or any hair at all?

I have butterflies inside as I wait to find out.

Photographically speaking, Joey is the creator of images in our house.  I just “take pictures” – and thank God for digital cameras that  allow me to fire away without truly having a grasp on any kind of technique.  If I’m lucky, I might get a decent result and a fairly respectable composition after hundreds of not so great photos. ( At least I am not wasting endless rolls of film.)

Joey, on the other hand, has acquired the  knowledge and has the creative eye that enables him to capture that mood or feeling that he visualizes. Most of his images are keepers. I admire him and all artists for that amazing gift of self-expression in their chosen medium, as they share their oeuvre with the world. 

The word image runs deep and wide. It is both noun and verb; it can be a real, physical representation, or just a concept.  This versatile word can serve as a symbol – corporate logos come to mind – or as a figure of speech, such as a simile or a metaphor.

Glancing at current publications reveals our culture’s preoccupation with appearances.  We are spoon-fed pages of what is considered the ideal image. We are constantly encouraged to shape up, slim down, preserve our youth, stimulate our minds, stay healthy…need I go on?

Television and magazines are filled with makeovers – before and after photographs that easily make us all wistful.  If only that could be me that lost those kajillion pounds, got that trendy new hairdo and make-up, had a fashion consult to update my wardrobe, or be that lucky woman who has that “perfect” life. 

In this world of externals, our focus on what’s inside quickly loses significance. 

During this advent season, how about considering a makeover of the heart? Consider a “weight-reduction program” –  getting rid of the accumulation of those “empty calories” that put on the pounds of melancholy, even despair.  All it takes is “exercising” new thought patterns…healthy attitudes to replace those that are toxic to the soul.

Let’s think about this concept of image …  Do we have it within us to accept ourselves as we are ( God loves us that way, you know)…or are we continually striving to become someone or something else?  And if that is the case, are we reaching for the things that God would want for us?

Do we offer our true selves to others – or are we reticent at revealing what’s really inside? Can we put another’s needs before our own?

If we could construct an “ideal self”, what would it look like?

The simple fact is, God created each of us in His image. (Talk about good genes!) Are we living up to this incredible heritage that is a gift to us? 

As I think long and hard about this, I know I have a few “internal adjustments” to make.  If God reveals that you should do the same, I encourage you in your journey toward Him.

We are strong enough to buck the trends…

Spiritual fashionistas, unite!  

And begin the journey of inner renovation.

In the meantime, I can’t wait to meet another of His precious creations…