Me Back In the Day: A Sales Associate
In my younger years I worked behind a counter, giving make-overs to patrons in the cosmetic's department. I gave them fragrance spritzes of Yves Saint Laurent's "Opium" and Halston, and demonstrated the latest eye shadows. One of my closest co-workers was happy-go-lucky, Bonnie. She and I were both so young and care-free. I, a newlywed and she, a bride-to-be. Life seemed so simple in the 80s. All we worried about was balancing our tills and paying the rent. My focus back then was pretty immature and shallow, yet it was innocent. I did not know better, but the still small voice of the Holy Spirit encouraged me to grow deeper and to become more sensitive to those in need. Below: Me at a photo booth about 1985, thinking probably, about getting tan and...
of the drama in the lunch room, General Hospital's Luke and Laura, and how I looked in the mirror. Those, honestly, were the chief topics of my mind. How must the Lord have grieved over my petty thought life.
Above, I am at the Frances Denney counter at Fredrick & Nelson around 1986. I am thankful that God is patient and loving as He leads us closer to Him in spite of foolish and sinful behavior: selfish greed focused on luxuries of this temporary world.
Above: Me after work around 1987. The Lord lovingly allows us to grow as we read His Word and learn to become like Him in our thinking, actions and in our daily living.
I love that girl I used to be, but I am so thankful she has grown up some and has prioritized her life on the eternal things above and on the the Lord Jesus who died and bought her freedom, forgiveness of sin and life eternal. I am by no means complete. I have not "arrived." There are so many ways I could deny my fleshly desires, but I still choose to be self indulgent. It is frustrating. There is nothing wrong with watching TV while running on my treadmill, but think of what could be accomplished spiritually for the Kingdom of God if I were to pray for every lost unbeliever I know while huffing and puffing; neighbors, friends and co-workers. In other words, I should look at the immediacy and importance of praying for those who do not know my Lord and who will die in their sins if they do not come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
It's that kind of mind-set I am speaking of. There is nothing wrong with buying a new brown purse to match my leather boots, or other luxury items. But do I really need them? How much more a starving mother could use those dollars to buy her family groceries and shoes.
Humility and generosity come from seeking the Lord, and doing those things with the time He's given, talents and finances, and to use them for things that matter to Him. I'm so thankful the Lord changes us so that He can be glorified.
Above: Me in 1986, in the red cardigan I wore for 10 years over skirts, dresses and jeans. I loved that thing and I got good use out of it. I have lost contact with Bonnie. I miss that sweet girl. I wish we could meet up again. Bonnie, if you happen to see this post, please comment. Blessings, Kathi
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Romans 12:12
3 comments:
Very insightful words! And my goodness, you really haven't changed much at all... how do you stay so young looking! Pretty as ever! :) ~Rhonda
I'm with you, when I look back on my youth, I cringe a bit on my self centeredness, but as we have talked about, we weren't that terrible. We did care about others, we studied God's word, we prayed for others, etc. I am, however, so thankful that I too have grown in the Lord. You have always been a Godly woman and encouragement to me!
I love you sis.
I think a lot of us can relate to this post :) I know I do. I think as I matured and got more grounded in life and lived my life how God would want me to live I saw my old self less and less.
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