Waste Not, Want Not

Danny and I on our honeymoon, April 2005

Matthew 6:25

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?"

I'm a pretty frugal person.  Even when I worked outside the home and had my own steady stream of income, I was always careful as to how and why I spent my money.  And, when I did spend it, more than likely it was to buy something for my husband, Danny, or for my children.

The natural fallout from my thriftiness is I rarely buy clothes or shoes.  I'll wear something until it wears out.  I hate to admit it, but I cling to some favorite turtleneck sweaters, even when they grow holes in the neckline, because these are concealed by the rim of the turned-down neck.  See the sweater in the photo above?  I still have it!!!

I have six pairs of jeans.  Two I call my "church jeans" because they're spiffy enough to wear to the contemporary praise service where dressing casually is encouraged.  Another two are my "whatever jeans" as they are getting worn, but are still presentable.  The last two pairs are so riddled with tears in the seat and pockets that I no longer dare to go public with them.  I should just heave them, shouldn't I?

And, shoes?  Well, I have a closet full, but since I rarely have cause to dress up these days, I favor a pair of clogs and my sneakers.  The clogs are new, a surprise gift from Danny when he notes my old ones have a gaping hole just above my right big toe.  And, my sneakers?  The ones I work out in?  I realize just the other day that I've had these babies for a whopping four years.  Ridiculous, right?

So, when Danny and I are at Costco last week, purchasing some provisions for our upcoming trip to the mountains, a huge display of woman's running shoes catches our attention.

"Didn't you tell me weeks ago you needed new shoes for the gym?"  Danny asks.

"Yes, I did," I answer hesitantly.  I am momentarily put off by the shoe color - black with screaming turquoise trim.

But it's the price which wins me over.  FILA shoes for only $19.95???  Am I dreaming???

We find my size and remove the shoes from their box so I can try them on.  They are practically weightless!  And, when my feet slip inside, I've never felt such comfort outside of being barefoot.

So, the heck with the funky colors.  I have to have them!

Because, I know my life is so much more than what I wear . . .

~

Do you wear your clothes until they wear out, or do you wear them gently and donate them to charity?

Will you join me in prayer?

Thank You, Father, for Jesus' reminder that we are not defined by the clothes we wear or the food we eat.  Whether in rags or finery, we are Your beloved children.  And, for that, dear Lord, we are eternally grateful.  Amen.