Photo by Dawn at My Home Sweet Home
One thing I’ve figured out in the process of aging (gracefully, of course), is how much of myself I cover up when it comes to, well, getting dressed—especially for the beach. I look at pictures of ladies in swimsuits from the 1920’s and 30’s and think, “Now those women had it made.” Fashion gurus weren’t pushing two-piece, string laden contraptions. For the most part, suits were modest and in one piece— with attached skirts! These days it’s practically an act of courage for a woman to shop for a swimsuit.
Struggling vainly to figure out how to hide this part or that, flatter this area, slim that one, make my waist look smaller and my legs seem longer, I stop and wonder….who is responsible for this transition into obsession over our appearance? I’m sure there’s plenty of blame to go around and too many forces working against me to start a revolution at this point.
So I’ll encourage you with something else I’ve figured out through the years. While striving to cover more of myself physically, I’m discovering it’s best to bare all of myself spiritually. No matter how hard I try to hide the excess fat I’m carrying in the area of pride (does it all have be exposed?), or the unflattering bit of ‘control’ I try to conceal (which translates into lack of trust), or the flabby layer of impatience that keeps bulging out (into words I shouldn’t say and things I shouldn’t do)—every single one of them keep coming to the forefront, hidden to no one, including God.
It takes courage to be transparent, even with God. To stand squarely in front of the spiritual mirror and look at the things that need to be changed. But the best part of being out of shape spiritually is the workout plan God offers us. Let Me do all the work—all you need to do is bare all and surrender all. What a glorious deal.
I might be falling out of shape physically, but it takes a simple prayer of humility to melt away the spiritual cellulite: “God, today I’m baring all of my weaknesses and shortcomings to You, trusting You to make every inch of the real me more beautiful.” Amen to that.
Guest Author
My name is Bonnie Jensen, and I’ve officially arrived at middle age. Some days it feels like middle earth, full of adventure and discovery but minus the hobbits and elves—unless, of course, you include my five grandchildren who come charging into my office occasionally.
I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for nearly 30 years, and if you do the math correctly, yes, I married him while I was still IN high school.
I’m amazed that God has given me the privilege of writing for a living, since I have no degree to do so. I depend completely and with reckless abandon on the gift He’s given me. It’s scary sometimes but it’s always worth the “close your eyes and hold on tight” experience. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I live and work in Cleveland, Ohio, telecommuting full-time for DaySpring. My title is Senior Writer, my attitude is childlike, and my heart is in constant wonder.