Day six, and I’ve been doing well with my all-modest-and-skirt wardrobe so far. The only exceptions came today while I was WEDDING DRESS shopping. I can honestly say that most of the dresses did not fit my strict modesty rules, but I had plenty of fun trying on as many as I could. And, if you were wondering, I did pick out and buy a most beautiful wedding dress, but I certainly cannot describe it here- Michael can’t know what it looks like!
I will admit, it was a bit of a bummer to get back into my street clothes after that.
Speaking of street clothes, I got a brand-new, long jean skirt and was so excited to finally wear it this past Thursday! It fit great, and I started to walk down the stairs when I realized I wasn’t getting anywhere very quickly- the opening of the skirt wasn’t very wide, so I was confined to taking small steps the whole day. Michael and I went to have dinner at the apartment of friends, and I had to keep telling him to slow down! I think God may be telling me to slow down and smell the roses a bit…
The scarves have been another issue- that is, when I remember to cover my head when I pray. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I pray in the shower. It just isn’t practical to place a scarf over my head then! Sometimes the ends of the scarf dangle in my food, or get zipped up in my jacket. I have seen many people stare in public as I place my scarf over my head to pray, but these things don’t bother me as much as I might have thought when beginning the month. Phil. 4:13!
So, even just after the first 6 days, I’m finding that there are many common-courtesy things that are missing from society. How many guys open doors (and car doors!) for women? I’m still finding it tough to remember to let Michael open the doors! I try to smile at everyone I see during the day, even though it is not an official rule, because you just never know who could use one! Being pleasant, kind, and forgiving is not always taught often in our society either. After Michael was grumpy today because he could not see my dress (wait until the wedding day!!), he realized how he was acting and apologized. Forgiving him for being grumpy? Much harder than I thought, but I did… having Michael as my partner (and knowing we both make God our priority!) makes my future seem brighter. I view Michael (and all my friends and family) as a gift from God, and it’s our job to love, cherish, and forgive all people, even our enemies!
I have to agree with Michael: “even the little things count to God.” A smile, opening the door, or even sincerely forgiving someone all make a wonderful difference in the world.
-Stephanie
Ancient Living 