In Others' Words: Life

"A new dress doesn't get you anywhere; it's the life you're living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before, and what you will do in it later." 

~Diana Vreeland, fashion columnist

I like to go shopping for new clothes. I like finding something--a cute top, a fun dress--that makes me feel good when I wear it. I walk a little taller, smile a little wider.

And then I read this quote. Whoa. 

Am I equating life--living--to the clothes in my closet? Or are my clothes merely necessary items so that I can go out and live my life?

Don't get me wrong. I don't think having clothes (fashionable clothes, at that) is to be avoided. It's just understanding the value of a pair of pants. Or a pair of shoes. Or a funky scarf.

Life equals my experiences--now, in the past, and in the future.

Life is not what's hanging in my closet.

In Your Words: So what do you think? Do clothes "get you anywhere?" There is that whole "dress for success" creed. What's the value of new clothes?

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In Others' Words: Living

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it." ~Danny Kaye, actor

I am not an artist. When it comes to drawing, I fail at stick figures. And the last time I sat in an art class--so long ago I was wearing a uniform!--I focused on all the rules and techniques and how I wasn't able to follow them perfectly.

Where was Danny Kaye's perspective on art and life when I needed him?

For too many years I approached life like I approached that art class: Tell me the rules and I will do my best to follow them to the letter. In a word, I majored in legalism. 

Looking at life as a canvas that I can splash with color? That speaks to me of God's grace. Big, bold, uncontrollable grace.

What if the paint ends up somewhere I wasn't planning for it to go? Rather than seeing it as a mistake, how about I step back and admire that wonderful touch of green . . . right there. 

Unplanned. Unexpected. Perfect.

Have some fun today. Go throw some paint on the canvas of your life!

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In Others' Words: Difficulty

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"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?" ~George Eliot, pen name of English novelist Mary Ann Evans

How have you made someone else's life less difficult today?