"Dress up" day at my middle school was the highlight of our history class. Students were encouraged to come with an outfit portraying their favorite personality—past or present, I debated being a chic Jackie Kennedy or dedicated Madam Curie but finally decided on my real heroine—a "prairie woman" crossing America in a covered wagon. Mawmaw helped me sew a gingham bonnet and calico dress. We were so proud of our creation.
I stood to give a speech on my choice of attire and what it represented. Betty, who was sitting behind me, leaned over and murmured,"Your dregs is ugly!" I was devastated. The rest of the day seemed a blur. That night my mom said the girl was probably just jealous but that didn't make me feel much better.
You see, the seed of pleasing had already taken root in my young mind. What other people thought about me was very important. In the years following that unfortunate day, vast amounts of my time and energy were spent on being pretty enough, nice enough and smart enough. Becoming a pastors wife just gave me a whole new venue for pleasing people. But it is exhausting work. And, it is impossible! It is a difficult mindset for us people-pleasers to embrace but if somebody doesn't like you, it is probably about them, not about you! So, stop carrying their load on your shoulders. Simply put, it really doesn't matter. who likes your dress, if you like your dress! And, if Jesus likes what He sees in our hearts, that is what is truly important!
Happy New Year!
Sharon
