I just had a bit of a revelation. Wanting to get my look just right for my son’s wedding this weekend, I went to a new and highly rated stylist for a touch-up and trim. This was such an upscale and pleasant salon that there were even goodies (brownies and homemade peanut butter bars) for the patrons. Oh, and there were soft drinks and coffee for thirsty palates. Did I mention the music? Satellite radio provided tunes from various artists, and I loved hearing the voices of Macy Gray, Etta James, and Josh Groban wafting through the area as I caught up on the latest goings-on in Vanity Fair.
Do you get the picture? I was just loving this environment. I walked into the modern and well-decorated restroom/changing area and saw a cute picture hanging on the wall. It was of a woman of indeterminate age holding several shopping bags, and all around her were words like chocolate, shopping, designer bags, and so forth. Then I got a little closer and read the phrase beneath the picture: “Lead me not into temptation; I already know the way.”
I felt as though I’d been slapped (in a way) as the truth of the statement hit home. True, we all need to look and feel our very best, but I am often caught up in the ways of the world. I LOVE chocolate…and shopping too. In fact, I was planning a brief foray into TJ Maxx on the way out of town. And was it really necessary to have my eyebrows waxed today when there are hungry children around?
While I don’t consider myself an overly materialistic or vain person, Sunday’s lesson (see post about turning left) sure came to mind as I thought of the many distractions that keep me from being more in tune with the Spirit. What about some of you other gals?
mom's musings 
I definitely don’t consider taking care of my appearance as something that distracts me from Spirit. I consider it a ‘wifely duty’. In fact, I am more involved with grooming, clothes, and makeup than I used to be. (Don’t get me wrong- it is still VERY low maintenance!)
Food, however, would be my major distraction. I absolutely love food. Love it. LOVE it.
Hayden, I just knew we were kindred spirits! I do think we’re supposed to do the most we can with what we have, not only for ourselves and our confidence but also for the other people who haved to look at us. This morning while I was reading Vanity Fair, I read about this man who had a makeover in several areas, including his teeth. The before and after pictures were astonishing, and I just know all of the people he has to encounter every day are glad he took care of his brownish teeth.
Food…ah yes. My husband and I dined at that fine fast food establishment known as Sonic tonight, and we split a Sonic blast after devouring our burgers. How healthy is that?
I’m going to have to think on this one…My reason is probably several rolled into one and can probably be summed up into “mental clutter.” I need to better prioritize and do first things first and let what’s not so important go. Developing a better spiritual relationship with my Heavenly Father needs to take top priority and I haven’t always put that first lately. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation you give through your writing.
Jayne you are allowed to wax your eyebrows for yourself and the upcoming wedding without any guilt. The poor will always be with us and as long as you can serve others and contribute then shopping and all the little things we enjoy are okay. I think it detracts from the Spirit when these things are done in excess. Numerous cosmetic surgeries, the latest trend etc. It is only when we focus so much on these things that we lose touch with Spirit. We all seem to have trouble with sugar, chocolate and food in general.
Jayne. We can’t change everything in the world but we can at least try. It is when we have that contstant guilt feeling that I believe the Lord is trying to tell us something. You know that feeling in our souls that something we are doing is just not right, or something we are failing to do is not what’s best, even though we try to convince ourselves that what we are doing is ok? It is in those time that I know it’s time to take a long, hard look at what I’m doing or neglecting to do and what’s going on in my life.
As for the eyebrow wax; You give what you can, so one eyebrow wax should not make you feel guilty. I love to have mine waxed; my daughter is a cosmotologist, so usually I can have it done for free. But, if it does make you feel guilty, then something in your heart must be talking to you or tugging at you; perhaps you could use the money for that waxing to buy some fast food gift certificates for the homeless who beg at corners just this one time. Or, commit 10-20 dollars to buy the gift certificates and still get your brows arched. (That’s what I would do, if I felt that tinge of guilt that you said you felt.)
I know that this is long and I do apologize, but it touched me. Anyway, the Bible gives us instructions on giving, it says 10 percent. I believe the 10 percent includes time helping, time serving, passing kindness on, and money donated. So, try to do your 10 cents worth. . . but God loves you inspite of and so do I.
Also, I posted a question under the information you posted on my blog. Since I used the edit comment feature (stole that idea from Hayden), I’m not sure that you were aware of the question.
Be Loved, but most importantly, Be Love.
Valencia, Ditto to the mental clutter problem…er, challenge.
Connie, No wonder we’re friends; we think so alike on these and many other issues. Would it serve anyone for me to go around looking scraggly and feeling yucky about my appearance? These little things give us a psychological boost, and when we feel better about ourselves, then we’re more likely to radiate love and all that other good stuff.
Cordie, I always enjoy your comments. I think the guilty feeling came about because of my recent reminders of things that keep us from focusing on what’s really important. It’s so easy to get caught up in things and forget that we should be in the world but not of the world. I also have to remember that everything is relative. For instance, I once heard someone pontificating (great word, huh?) about how sinful it was for people to live in $500,000 houses when people were starving. I asked him how much his house would appraise for, and he figured it would be around $180,000 or so. I remarked (couldn’t resist) that some people might perceive living in a house like that to be a little sinful when there were people all around who had no home to live in. I’ve often thought of that little conversation…Hmmm, didn’t mean to go on so long.
I would like to add, however, that I agree with you completely about the 10% of our time, money, personality, gifts, and whatever else we are blessed with.
Jayne, The wives of the general authorities are well groomed, the women in the tabernacle choir are well groomed and coached for hair and makeup when then first join the choir. The most common wardrobe problem the sisters in the MTC have is solved by a seamstress shortening their hems. In other words, I think that an eyebrow wax is ok and so is wanting to look fabulous at your son’s wedding. And anyone who can run a race can probably afford a piece of chocolate.
In short, I think that fitness and grooming contribute to spirituality when applied in moderation and good taste.
I hope that you had a glorious day:)