I just couldn’t help but overhear what they were saying. The three silver-haired ladies were at the dress rack next to the clearance items I was perusing. Their conversation began innocently.
“Oh Mildred, you would look good in this,” commented Lady Number One, as she held up a modest green dress. Lady Number Two agreed, “Oh my, yes.”
Mildred, who seemed to hold the trio’s seniority, responded, “Well, now, it’s interesting you’d say that. I already have a dress in that same style, only it’s blue.”
Ladies Number One and Two smiled and nodded in tandem. Mildred continued, “I’m going to be buried in it.”
I’ll admit it was at this point that I began to eavesdrop. And I’m glad I did. I would have hated to miss what came next.
“I’ll have to lose a little weight first,” Mildred concluded.
My brain desperately tried to comprehend what I’d just heard. Let me get it straight: this sweet little lady has to lose weight before she can die?
Now this is merely my humble opinion, but I think we’re getting into a weird area when you have to diet before you can die. Surely there’s a more simple solution: elastic, perhaps?
Still, there is something to be said for preparing to meet your Maker. The Bible gives great counsel in that regard, but as far as I can tell, none of it has to do with scales or fashion.
Unless you consider the believer’s pre-burial wardrobe, as outlined in Colossians 3:12-14: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
I don’t know if Mildred is still alive, or if her body has been laid to rest in her blue dress. What I do know is that each of us will one day be called into God’s glorious presence, where the perishable will be clothed with the imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:53, 54). Until that moment, we can choose to wear love.
And love always fits.
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Thankful for God's love and eternal life!
Working with the elderly gives me many opportunities to "eavesdrop." The wisdom they have to share is priceless.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story....and application. Indeed we will die and we need to be ready for that....but what a glorious hope......home with my Savior. I think I will buy a glittery, bling filled dress to be buried in so everyone knows it is a celebration....I've finally gone HOME........and I'm more than ready.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, love eavesdropping on conversations like this. I saw a little, old lady dressed in head-to-toe purple this summer. I sat an extra fifteen minutes in a bookstore hoping to hear her talk about her clothing choices. So fun!
ReplyDeleteFun post.
I could just imagine me with my two best friends when I read this. We have some very interesting conversations!
ReplyDeleteThis totally made me LOL! Little old folks are something else =)
ReplyDeletei love this post! thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletehugs,
peggy aplSEEDS
Lol! Great post. Def. think elastic is the better way to go. :) Thanks for linking up @ Beholding Glory.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, love always fits! Love the story of the little old ladies- sometimes it pays to eavesdrop :^) Patsy from
ReplyDeleteHeARTworks