Rockwall, TX (March 5, 2025) – A certain Sunday delivered a perfect spring morning to central Kansas. A young man stood on his porch and noticed the swollen buds on an elm tree.
His wife, meanwhile, peered into her bedroom closet. Pregnant with their first child, she easily chose one of the few dresses she could still wear to church. But then her husband came in to suggest another plan for their day.
The spring-fevered man had waited for the right weekend to break out his lawn mower for “scalping” the winter-dead grass. Having his wife hold open the large trash bags while he emptied the grass catcher would make the job easier.
The mother-to-be pulled out a cotton maternity top and the corduroy pants she’d recently cut open at the waist to add a stretch panel. Dressed for yard work, she leaned forward gently to tie the laces of some old tennis shoes.
In the mid-afternoon, after working several hours with only a brief lunch break, the couple admired their green-tinged lawn. The dutiful wife—yours truly—anticipated a warm shower and some rest. But then we saw a neighbor entering our backyard gate; he had something to show us that couldn’t wait.
We followed our friend to his backdoor, where I paused to brush off the dry grass that covered my rumpled outfit. Once inside, his wife took my dirty hand and led me to the front room, where I was surprised to find a gathering of other neighbors—a baby shower! (My amazement lasted but a moment; my humiliation lasted much longer.)
My hostess led me to a chair and kindly plucked bits of grass from my hair. Her lovely party included flowers, a cake, gifts, and the roomful of ladies—all so nicely dressed. In the background, my dust-caked husband stood talking with his buddy—and laughing.
Two weeks earlier, my husband had been asked by those neighbors to take me out for a long lunch after church for this special day. The couple further suggested that he should bring me to their house before I could change out of my nicer clothes. He had simply forgotten all about it.
My husband couldn’t seem to understand my embarrassment over that day and assured me that I looked “just fine.” He did apologize for not remembering the plan, and I forgave him sufficiently—for the day at least. (A few photos of the shower would serve for years to refresh my bitter taste over that less-than-blessed event.)
I have to admit that female vanity was behind my disappointment. It is women (wives, specifically) that the apostle Peter addressed regarding outward appearance: “Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (1 Peter 3:4*).
Our tendency, whether we’re male or female, is to view others based on appearance—their clothing, cleanliness and other obvious aspects. However, “the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7*). Further, he sees that none of us have a perfectly pure heart (Isaiah 64:6).
The good news is that God loved us so much that, despite our imperfect and soiled condition, he sent his Son to wash away sin. By God’s mercy, those who come to him are showered with grace that cleanses us from every spot. By faith, we’re seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
So perfectly attired, we won’t be ashamed on the day he comes to take us to his home for that best gathering ever.
*English Standard Version
By Patti Richter. Patti writes and edits Christian faith articles and has co-authored Signs of His Presence: Experiencing God’s Comfort in Times of Suffering (March 2019). Read more of her essays at blueribbonnews.com/category/faith.
Provided photo.
Patti Richter, On Faith: Not Dressed Up but Somewhere to Go added by Melanie M on
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