Makeover Needed, Inside & Out

Honestly, sometimes I think I need Stacy and Clinton to help me pick out clothes. I say this to myself every time I stand in a dressing room trying on clothes. Maybe I need to nominate myself to appear on their show What Not to Wear. I can’t put together an outfit any better than a five year old. It’s quite obvious I need their help, but looking in their 360° mirror would be torturous! I can visualize it already, short and squatty legs that haven’t seen pants that fit in the rear as well as the waist – at the same time, in oh, so long.

Shoulder length hair that hasn’t been a salon in months, and lately I’ve noticed it’s starting to take on a dull brown/gray color. What would the hair stylist on the show think about it? He would probably want to cut it, color it, and highlight it. Basically, change its look entirely.

And, I would love for the make-up artist to teach me how to properly apply make-up to my middle-aged skin. I can’t get away with just blush and mascara anymore. How does one cover up these dark circles under the eyes? It would be nice to add a little life to this pale, dry skin while we’re at it. I’m not sure if it’s my imagination, but it seems that my chin is disappearing into my neck. I don’t think she has a trick for that.

If I turn around to see the view from the rear, then it’s very apparent that since I’m doing all this self-improving, maybe I should consider auditioning for the The Biggest Loser too! I could stand to lose a few pounds. Who am I kidding? I could lose a lot of extra pounds especially around the middle. That middle aged spread just doesn’t know where to stop. When was it that I moved from the Misses department to the Women’s sizes, anyway? I don’t know, but this dose of reality T.V. makeovers may be more than I can bear!

“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” (1 Peter3:3-4 NLT)

All too often I let my perception of my outward appearance control who I think I am or who I will continue to become. But God’s gentle words from I Peter, remind me that it’s what’s on the inside that matters the most to him. While that is no excuse to give up on my outward appearance, I do want my husband to look forward to coming home to me every day, it does remind me that beauty is only partially dependent on my outward appearance. Spending time cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit creates a beauty on the inside that can’t help but overflow and adorn the countenance of a woman who loves God.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me to remember that true beauty comes from within. This body is only temporary, and while I need to take care of it, its appearance does not dictate who I am. Your Word is what transforms me to be beautiful in your eyes. May I be infused with the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in your sight.