Colossians 3:12-14 (The Message):

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Well now… isn’t it just easier to read something than to actually live it out? Um, yeah. Doesn’t this verse just kinda sum up what we are supposed to be like every day? I’m talking every. single. day. This is what we are to wear – to put on – just like our socks. Girls, I’m gonna need some help with some of these!

I have read this verse many times over. It’s not an easy one and I fall short on every one of these things. But – I do try. When I read these character traits – compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline, even-tempered, forgiveness, and love – I can’t help but think that this is, quite truly, the perfect outfit to wear. And, gals – that is what we need to do. Put these on. Every day. Wear them. This is your OOTD. And when it’s all put together…just like our perfectly matched shoes and purse, our awesome jeans and killer shirt, and the perfect lipstick that just-so-happens to go with our nail polish – well, it’s beautiful. And we look put together and we feel put together. Well…the same with our attitudes and outlooks and mannerisms that we “wear” every day. When we wear all the pieces, it’s like a well put-together, stunning outfit. Here’s the thing – we are wearing SOMETHING every day – so, what is your outfit like?

This verse continuously challenges me. I want to wear all these things. I want to be this person. I try, but I don’t always hit the mark. I sometimes forget to wear kindness. Quiet strength does not always come easy. And how about that even-tempered stuff?! I’m not perfect. None of us are. But when I choose to wear THIS outfit – I’m a better mom, a better wife, sister, daughter, friend and human being. Oh, and that one piece that is pretty non-negotiable that we are to always wear and never take off? Love. It’s like that all over body cream that you lather on every inch of your body. It is nourishing and moisturizing and smells delicious. Yeah, I love body cream. And that is how love should be, too…enriching and hydrating and lovely with the most beautiful fragrance.

Well, it’s time to get dressed. What are you wearing today?