The Match Maker

This might not make sense if you don't know me but for the last several years, students have picked out what I wear each school day. My wardrobe coordinators have been  Jean (twice), Minna, My, Christina and Jill.  That might explain some of this devotional from March 8, 20011.

I have to dress up this week for a banquet and dressing up is not my strong point. Still, I have a nice suit to start with and in Sunday's post, I spoke about buying some new shoes and ties. That's where Margaret comes in. Margaret is my wardrobe guru and adviser in spite of the fact she is only in second grade. I thought it would only be fitting to give Margaret the honor of matching the tie to the suit which will accompanied by a white shirt. It came down to two but she picked a light blue checked CHAPS tie to adorn my neck. From my vantage point, she made the right choice.

If you want to know why I turn to a barely eight year old child for fashion advice, you might want to read Approval Rating, my entry on April 14, 2010 in the archives. Suffice it to say that I kind of identify with Margaret. There are five kids in her wonderful family and there are five in mine. Her parents place a high value on Christian education as did mine. Her mother is an elementary teacher as was my mother. But when it comes to clothes, here is why I value Margaret. First, she tells me the truth. If I don't match, she doesn't withhold that information. How many of our public figures would be better off if someone would have the guts to be honest with them when they veer off course? Secondly, I trust Margaret's judgment. Margaret's mom is an art teacher and she has marveled to me at her daughter's gift when it comes to color and style. When Margaret gives me her opinion, I believe her. We need that person whose advice we can take unhesitatingly because we implicitly trust them. I won't ask Margaret how to coach my basketball team or how to teach my Bible classes but I know where to turn when I need to know how to present myself in a more professional way. Do you recognize the name of Bezalel? He was an Israelite from the tribe of Judah. In Exodus 35, Bezalel, who had all sorts of artistic gifts, was called on to help with the building of the tabernacle. In that same chapter, we're told that his gifts came from God. Undoubtedly, that's where Margaret's talent comes from, with an assistance from her mom and dad's DNA. The Lord sure didn't give me that gift but He did the next best thing; He lets me borrow some insight from His child, Margaret, from time to time.

Applicable quote of the day:
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
Pablo Picasso

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
www.hawleybooks.com
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com
*Thanks to Michael Fonville, our WCS Creative Director, for the picture!*