The Gown
Yesterday I woke up with so much energy that before I even
brushed my teeth I attacked my closets.
About twice a year I go through the house and gather things that I have
not used or worn in 2 years or less and I pack them up and off they go to a
charitable organization.
I pounced on my closet and though some things were hard to
let go, I knew that if I had not worn it in a while I probably would not do so
in the future so out it went. As I was
re-checking, my eye caught something sparkling way back in the recesses of the
closet. In all honesty I knew what it was;
it was a sequined formal gown. I removed
the clear plastic covering and saw that it was still beautiful, dark periwinkle
blue with silver sequins…lovely. I
calculated that it had been hanging there for over 15 years unused. It was
outdated of course with the shoulder pads, but still lovely.
Of course I tried to reason keeping it; after all, I paid
good money for it and who knows I could have the shoulder pads removed and it will be good as new, because you
never know when I may need a blue and silver sequined gown at the last moment
to wear…WHERE? WAKE UP Sweet pea you’re dreamin’
!
When I finally settled down and allowed God to speak to my
heart, I began to see what that gown “represented” to me. Years ago I was a part of the cast of a
musical play that is very well known in this area. I was soloist for a couple
of the songs in this play. I wore this
gown for the finale solo, it was a dynamic scene, with special props and
lighting. The gown sparkled under the lighting as the glorious Heaven scene was
being portrayed on stage. What a great
season in my life to be a part of that.
But just as seasons change, it was time to let go.
The gown represented a very good time in my life. It was a time of recognition, accolades, compliments
and of gratitude that I was a part of something where God was touching the lives
of many people. It represented something good, but it was time to move on to
the next season.
Through my life’s journey it has been a monumental time of growing
up! I often chuckle how sometimes God
uses things that we think are negatives to motivate a positive outcome. For instance gone are the accolades,
compliments and recognition, but in its place are confidence, character and
assurance in God and of who He is. I admit it, I had a lot of growing up to do
and in the process I have lost some things and especially some people very
precious to me, but through it all I have a clearer image of Jesus and His
precious love for me. I am no longer in the limelight, but I desire to
continually be in His light, the Son’s light. I am like my dog Bruno who is
always looking for a sunny spot on the carpet so that he can bathe in its
warmth. I pray that I always search and yearn
for His light, so that I can bathe in His Truth, Love and yes warmth.
So…letting go…even it is was a good thing, even if it represents a great time, when it’s time to move on, you gotta let go. I’m sure we have all heard the analogy of a person holding something so tightly in their hand until God Himself cannot open it to pour in something fantastic! We cannot fully experience and enjoy what He has for us until we let go and trust Him to fill that spot with what He wants for us…now.
So…letting go…even it is was a good thing, even if it represents a great time, when it’s time to move on, you gotta let go. I’m sure we have all heard the analogy of a person holding something so tightly in their hand until God Himself cannot open it to pour in something fantastic! We cannot fully experience and enjoy what He has for us until we let go and trust Him to fill that spot with what He wants for us…now.
Well, after I admired the gown for a few more minutes,
inspecting the sequins and even smiling to myself as I remembered the good
times…I covered it back up and placed it with the other things to be taken
away. No tears, no regrets, just thankfulness for a faithful God who directs
our paths that takes us from season to season.
“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall
you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the
desert.” Isaiah 43:19
Comments
blessings,
Diana