The signs of senescence are beginning. (Most of my students are amused that just now I am noticing. They think anyone over 50 needs senior care.) I got a nice brown flannel shirt earlier this week. (It’s very warm and should pay for itself by allowing us to keep the house a bit cooler this winter.) Yesterday I wore it while doing chores around town. It was only this morning that I noticed I had not yet removed all the tags. Maybe if I had worn it to class last night my students would have thought me super cool and think I was a rapper. I’m surprised I didn’t get stopped in Macy’s by security telling me I had to pay for it before leaving the store. Only then would they have noticed the price tag said Tractor Supply Co.
It might not be a price tag but all of us continually display tags or signs that supply people with a lot of information about who we are and what are our values. The way we deport ourselves preaches volumes. If I am rude and display impatience with others I am broadcasting my lack of character. If I am super critical of others I am saying more about me than what or whom I am criticizing. If I am continually negative and create clouds of gloom I make people wonder how I ever got married. Who would have me?
Being a Christian isn’t necessarily always talking about one’s faith, but more often, it is about our genuine care for others. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” John 13:35. This isn’t about what’s in your wallet. It’s about what tag are you wearing.
Spring Of Life