Be renewed in the spirit of your minds. ~Ephesians 4:23
The Lenten 40, Day 11
Nowadays, it’s called the dressing room. It’s where fashion victims (myself included) go to find an outfit for a special occasion, freshen up a few tired wardrobe pieces, or just have some retail therapy.
Along with the shedding of clothing layers comes a multitude of emotions, dependent on our current state of self-confidence. The excesses (or exercise regimens) of past months are glaringly exposed, either boosting our spirits or dashing our hopes of ever fitting into that smaller size again.
Bathing suit shopping is the worst. And, whoever chose those awful lights?
In this spot where externals assume the position of preeminence, we easily forget the beauty of what’s inside.
Today’s reading emphasizes how our true self can emerge as we become closer to the Lord. Muyskens writes:
It is said that we spend the first half of our lives seeking to establish ourselves. We need to gain the recognition and respect of other people….In the second half of life we want to be who we really are rather than be shaped by the opinion of others. In life’s second half—midlife and mature years—the ego diminishes and the greater self becomes central, finding our identity in God. Life becomes an expression of inner life’s moving into the outer world. Contemplative prayer is the vehicle for that inward and then outward journey.
When we engage in Centering Prayer, we enter into a room where we can reveal ourselves – and only God can see the worst of our flaws. In His presence, we can strip away the layers that weigh us down, that deprive us of joy.
With His guidance, we can restore our inner beauty, accumulating garments of peace, compassion,forgiveness. Anxiety over figure flaws becomes secondary, inconsequential.
Clothed in God’s love, we become mirrors of His love to others – and our reflections no longer disappoint.
We won’t give up completely on fashion – but rather, strive to fashion our hearts as Christ would.
Today’s Lectio: Ephesians 4:20 – 5:2
My Word – FORGIVING My Phrase – Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.
beWARM 
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