Exquisite Attire

Some women love to shop. Me, not so much. It doesn’t help that my age places me somewhere between Rue 21 and Chico’s; no offense if you like Chico’s…

Also, the fact that I’m a single mom who has many bills every month puts my clothing budget far below my taste. I walk past Banana Republic, Kate Spade, and Ann Taylor while gazing longingly through the glass at the beautiful dresses on display.

The things I try on at the discount outlets depress me more and more with every outfit. After three and a half hours at the mall, all I bought was a $7 navy blue t-shirt to replace my 6-year-old one with a hole in one elbow. I don’t know why it matters so much, I guess it really doesn’t matter at all in the grand scheme of things.

I have always seen those side-by-side comparison photos of a $350 dress next to a nearly identical one for $30. Some people even pride themselves on how little money they spend on their clothes! Now, mind you, I don’t go anywhere fancy enough to wear a $350 dress, so I’m not coveting anything that expensive. Typically, the only place I dress up for his church.

I know that I should be- and am in fact- thankful for what I do have. I am blessed more than the majority the world just to live in America and have clothes.

I guess the problem is wishing for something that is out of my reach. I think we’ve all been there whether it’s clothes, shoes, a car, furniture… It seems to be human nature to want what you can’t have.

The Bible admonishes us:

1 Timothy 6:8-9 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

So, I will be content and thankful in this season. But maybe someday I will buy just one really nice dress… and a matching pair of shoes.