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Girl Meets God

    by Melissa Mathews

Stupid Shirt Sleeves and Feather Boas
Date Posted: October 2, 2005

In this world of darkness, so we all must shine,
you in your small corner, and I right here in mine
- Minette Allmoslecher

I saw this lady today, and she had on the strangest outfit. Her pants had two layers: A bottom layer that was intact, and a top layer that looked like she had just gotten way too close to a rapidly spinning blade that had sliced her pants into ribbons. But her blouse is what interested me the most. It was black polyester knit (which I cannot believe is back in style). It wasn't tight, but it was strapless like a tube top. What seemed so odd to me was the adornment she had on her arms. She would have called them sleeves, but they were completely unattached from the shirt. They looked like she had taken a piece of fabric and tied it in two places on the outside of her arms. There wasn't enough material there for the sleeves to provide any protection from the elements. They weren't attached to the shirt, so they were no help in keeping it up. In my Southern opinion, these peculiar sleeves had no aesthetic value either.

"Why in the world is she wearing those?" I thought. What an unnecessary waste.

I've thought the same thing many days about my cup of coffee. My coffee pot is on the fritz right now, and I haven't been able to commit to the perfect replacement. So for now, I use the half of my coffee pot that works. That means I put the coffee in the filter as usual, but I have to pour boiling water over it. Sounds simple, and it is, but one can't pour 7 cups of boiling water into the filter and walk away. One must stand there patiently and pour slowly so the water can drip through the grounds into the pot. Ridiculous, I know. And on more than one occasion I've thought "Is my cup of coffee worth this much effort?" Is it really so important that I should devote 20 minutes of my time to making it? On the mornings I have that thought before I put the water on to boil, I go to Starbucks instead. And though I try, try, try, I still have the same thought. "Is my cup of coffee worth this much effort (and money)?"

Now don't misunderstand me. I'm not quitting my coffee, though I'm thinking about it. But I do wonder how many peripheral, useless-sleeve-things I spend my time on? How many "things" do I pursue that have no eternal significance at all and side-track me from what's most important?

I don't mean to be an alarmist, but every night the news people tell us that Christ's return is approaching. Luke 21 in the NIV says this:

"When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away…Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. …On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea...The heavenly bodies will be shaken. .. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."

When Christ returns, I don't want to be sitting on a stack of money that is about to be burned up or standing in the mall selling feather boas. I want to be spending my time doing what I have to do to keep my kids from being hungry, but I want to do it in a way that is forever mindful of Christ's return.

"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with indulgence, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap."

I don't want to be surprised by the Lord's return. Do You?

"Voice of Inspiration" from Andy Castro

Psalms 91:11

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Biography Information:
I'm a preacher's kid, pastor's wife, and southern belle who married a Southern California boy. Can you say 'culture clash?' Scott and I have four boys - Max, Mark, Jackson, and Grant who keep us busy with homework and sports.

Scott and I have been married 22 years and currently live in Northern California where we are beginning year five as church planters. I also teach 12th grade English and love it.

I would love to hear from you. Email me anytime at melissa.g.mathews@gmail.com
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