It was an unseasonably cold morning in San Diego where I was visiting my son. I’d made an appointment at the Apple store to update my 2010 MacBook. On my way there, I purchased a sweatshirt from Forever 21 and put it on over my t-shirt. As I walked through Fashion Valley Mall, I noticed many high end stores like Prada and Gucci. I also received more than a few funny looks from the well dressed and sophisticated people there and definitely felt like I didn’t fit in. As I waited my turn at the Apple “Genius Bar,” I was told my computer was not only retro but obsolete. (This means I can get it fixed for free as long as it works and I own it...Whoohoo!) Then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Um, excuse me, your tag is showing,” said a young technician. I laughed and asked her to pull it off; red $9.99 clearance sticker and all!

There’s nothing wrong with looking presentable, but it made me think of Matthew 6:27-33: “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (MSG)

Heavenly Father, You say we shouldn’t worry about anything. That You will take care of all our needs. Thank You for not judging me by what I wear or how sophisticated (or not) I am. Thank You for seeing me as a beloved daughter of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.