Stop Waiting for a Special Occasion

Stop Waiting for a Special Occasion

When I was young I was often told to save nice clothing, food, and so on for a special occasion.

I’m not even talking about very formal clothes or even very special rare food, just anything that looked remotely presentable for wearing in public or something that was nice to eat that was too good for around the house. As I grew older it came naturally to avoid eating things I like even if already paid for to save for some undefined occasion and wearing any of decent clothing I had available. I would put on the worst things I could find with holes and stains while alone and if I couldn’t find anything “bad” to wear after a shower I was at a loss as to what to put on. This behavior with clothing makes sense if there isn’t much to wear but even after my situation improved and I had enough, that one little spot on a nice top wouldn’t leave me with anything else to wear. It was still hard for me to wear anything presentable for myself.

As an adult I thought about what these messages really mean. I am not saying it is wrong to save something special for another time, but when it is taken so far that to suggest that anything good-not even your best things-is not good for you to have on a consistent basis really isn’t healthy. Basically the underlying message is that the mere possibility of impressing strangers in the future is a higher priority than having something good to wear or eat right now. Also putting everything you would enjoy on hold for some undefined occasion is teaching that your own life in the present isn’t worth enjoying and being alive isn’t a special occasion. This sort of thinking teaches children that they are not valuable enough to have anything that good and what you think of others is more important than family. We should, instead, teach children to value everyone equally.

Again, don’t get me wrong. Do I think there are some cases when it is worth saving a particular outfit or item for a special occasion? Of course. I am not going off the deep end. I am not saying we have to all walk around in tuxedoes and full gowns 24-7, eating the rarest treats our budgets can handle off of gold plates to prove life is worth living. It wouldn’t be practical to wear a full length ball gown to mow the yard. It would be wise to give three year olds more kid friendly dishes instead of pulling out the fine china, for their safety to prevent them from being hurt with broken plates. But notice, I think protecting children should be the motive from withholding nice plates, not valuing the plates above the children. Likewise, with clothing or anything that is worn or used. The motivation should be what is best for the situation, not because a certain situation is more important than a person.

The Jewish Bible says, “It is a gift from Elohim to be able to eat and drink and experience the good that comes from every kind of hard work.” Ecclesiastes 3:13 “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24. So believers in Yeshua should be teaching that being alive is something special to enjoy. It is important for us to remember we are always in the presence of the God of Israel and we shouldn’t dress less in front of God than before other people. And considering the cost of our redemption we shouldn’t consider decent food or decent clothes more valuable than we are. We are children of God redeemed with the blood of God. We shouldn’t be more concerned about impressing strangers than what God thinks of us and put a low estimate on our worth when God values us so much.

Picture originally found here

Related Articles

More From Grafted Contrary

Guilt by Association

“The Lord your God will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess.
Guilt by Association

How to Pick a Date

“Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her (Ruth), ‘My daughter, shall I not seek security for…
How to Pick a Date

Trusting God Like Elijah

Sometimes we may feel like we cannot do a lot of things for God but we shouldn’t believe that…
Trusting God Like Elijah

The Love of God Compels Us

We are saved by God's love for us and in turn our love for God draws us to follow Him.
The Love of God Compels Us

Lord, Lord, Have We Not...?

There is a very interesting and also troubling passage about the judgment at the end of the…
Lord, Lord, Have We Not...?

The Problem With Bible Movies

When I was young it was common to watch movies based on the Bible after Sabbath services.
The Problem With Bible Movies

Struggling with Shame

A lot of people struggle with shame. It can be hard to be hopeful regarding one’s relationship…
Struggling with Shame

No God is Not in Control

Whenever something heinous or stupid happens unexpectedly I often hear believers in Yeshua say…
No God is Not in Control

The Heart of the Matter

Yeshua said something we should take careful note of in our spiritual walk with God.
The Heart of the Matter

Peace of Mind

On the way to work I would see the sign, “We Sell Peace of Mind.”
Peace of Mind

Say Yes to the Dress

For those of you who are not familiar with “Say Yes to the Dress,” it is a T.V program in which…
Say Yes to the Dress

Save Your Body for Your Spouse

I have often heard people say things like “Save your body for your spouse.” I think believers…
Save Your Body for Your Spouse

Is Our Focus Wrong?

I came across the statement found on the business website of Tony Robbins, “The biggest mistake…
Is Our Focus Wrong?

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation