 September 14. 2010
Dear Friends:
We've had a busy couple of weeks here at the Coleman homestead. My
son and daughter-in-law moved out after living with us for three
years. My father-in-law is in the hospital. I began to teach two
new Bible studies this fall. I know, probably more than you need to
hear. I just wanted to explain why I have missed several weeks of
the Dogwood Digest.
Too much on my plate, too few hours
in the day.
This week's issue will be a repeat for some of you. I originally
sent it out several years ago. It is one of my favorite pieces. So
rather than miss yet another week, I thought I would give you a
rerun. Be encouraged to know what you are worth to God!
Have a great week!
|
 One Middle-Aged Woman:
Priceless
"For the Lord takes pleasure in His
people." Psalm 149:4
I am no diva.
My daughter Melanie would roll her eyes at this statement and say,
"No kidding!" Before every speaking event, Melanie insists on
approving my outfit. She is afraid to let me leave the house
without fashion supervision. "Put on some mascara," she urges.
"Lipstick will make you appear more professional." I sigh and try
to be obedient to her fashion sense, since I have none of my
own.
This past spring on a shopping trip in Chicago with my cousins, we
wandered into a chic makeup boutique. Right away I knew I didn't
belong there as I noted the glamorous women browsing the store. But
as I tried to stay inconspicuous and peruse the aisles (so as not
to embarrass my cousins), a makeup artist swept over. It was like I
had a bull's-eye painted on my forehead. She wanted to give me a
makeover. I tried to explain that makeup wasn't really a huge part
of my daily routine. A face like mine would be a waste of her time.
She insisted.
I felt sorry for her. She seemed so nice and sincere, so desperate
to please. So I put myself into her hands.
The woman worked wonders. My eyes looked brighter and my face
younger. I wrote down every product she used to perform her magic.
Then I went shopping.
Please note: previously, the most sophisticated cosmetic purchase I
had ever made was at the drugstore. So as I shopped, I didn't think
to look at prices. How expensive could eye shadow be? If only I
knew.
Eventually I found myself in line with my little basket of
purchases, again noticing the beautiful, stylish women now in line
all around me. Obviously if you cared about your appearance, you
bought your makeup in this place. I tried to pretend I was a
regular customer and nonchalantly stepped up to the counter.
The young beauty behind the counter rang up my purchases. "Good
news," she enthused. "You have spent over $150! That entitles you
to a special gift!" One hundred fifty dollars?? For blush and
powder? I almost passed out. Excruciatingly aware of the Beautiful
People surrounding me in line, I gulped and handed over my credit
card, trying to look casual, as if this was a routine purchase for
a diva like me. My hand was shaking. I thought I might possibly
throw up, right there in front of a bunch of super models. How
would I explain this to my husband? How good can makeup really be?
Was the stuff made of ground up diamonds?
My cousins and I left the store together. I was still shaken. "I
j-just spent $150 on eye shadow," I stammered. "Those people think
a lot of their makeup."
In the real estate market, a home's value is pretty much determined
by what someone is willing to pay for it. Similarly, the boutique's
confidence in their product was demonstrated by the cost they
assigned to it. Apparently I validated their assumption, since I
willingly paid their price. The signature on my credit card slip
indicated this makeup was indeed worth $150. At least to me.
Apparently.
We can say the same for our own worth, according to Scripture. Our
value has been determined by the price God was willing to pay. "You
were redeemed...with precious blood...the blood of Christ" (2 Peter
1:18-19). Our value to God is unfathomable. He proved it by
shelling out an exorbitant, unimaginable price: the life of His
only Son. "You have been bought with a price," Paul wrote the
Corinthians. "Therefore, glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians
6:20).
|
