Five Minute Friday ~ Change

"It’s the fastest, funnest, free write on the web - Five Minute Friday!

Where a beautiful crowd spends five minutes all writing on the same topic and then sharing ‘em over here.

Now, set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on..."

Change…

I remember so clearly traipsing down the stairs, thinking I was dressed to kill and lookin' pretty chic... and hopin' I wouldn't make eye contact with Mom? 'Cause I knew if I did, I'd be plodding back up those stairs and trudging down the hallway, probably slightly  slamming (if I really did, I'd be back downstairs, practicing it again while demonstrating the "right" attitude) the door, sequestered until I removed some make-up, changed my clothes, "did something normal" with my hair or some combination of all three. I was usually rolling my eyes and muttering as I trudged.

Now? Years have gone by and how the times have changed!

Now I'm the one with teenage daughters (and a niece on loan for a year). 

Now I'm the one frequently wishing,

sometimes suggesting,
 and occasionally?

Matter-of-factly mandating

that they return to their room and change something about their appearance - before they'll be allowed to leave the house. I'm sure they're sure that I'm just an old fuddy-duddy with no clue about fashion... that I'm over-protective and worrying about ridiculous things... that I'm micro-managing and not letting them learn what it means to be a young woman... that I'm mean because I have the power to do so.



Yes, it's my turn now. I've got teenagers roaming around my house and they may not understand now, but times will change again and way-too-soon that someday will become their now...

But this all started me to thinking ~

Recently, God's brought be back to some verses He had me camped on for many months a few years back:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-16)

I wonder how often my Lord looks at me as I ready myself to head out the door for another day and wishes, "If she'd only remove that critical spirit and clothe herself with gentleness instead."

Many days I hear His Spirit whisper, quietly suggesting deep within my heart right after I few off the handle and yelled at my girl because once again she can't find her shoes, "Dear, you've slipped patience on wrong-side out. Let's adjust that quick-temperedness... Turn it right-side out so that you are wrapped in patience."

Why must He still regularly remind me, "I love you, my child, with an everlasting love. You've forgotten to clothe yourself with my love, and you are ready to turn the key in that ignition.." before He mandates, "Go back and change out of that tacky, immodest and cheap sentiment. You've got my love hanging in your closet. Why won't you wear that?"

Lord, keep changing me until each day I happily traipse before You, modeling how I've clothed myself in the beautiful, infinitely expensive garments You've bought for me.

(Please note... this was a 9-10 Minute Friday... OOPS!)