When my dad, former procrastinators, was 90, ill, and housebound, I urged him to save energy by staying in his robe and slippers. He refused. “Dressing is a discipline just like anything else.” Now I’m taking his words to heart in a new way.
In January I determined to stay home more in order to work on certain goals. When Covid set in, it was easier to be home but harder to get dressed. I’ve been clothed, but not as well as when I was coming and going. Dressing is easy to put off these days. Yet my husband is the most important person in my life; I want to show him the same respect I was showing others when I left the house.
Being relaxed at home is super. Pajama days are great. I like old jeans and a sweatshirt. I just don’t want to become so lax I slide into sloppy. Paying no attention to how I dress at home (“I hope nobody comes to the door”) can lead to inattention when I leave. (“I hope I don’t run into anybody I know.”)
Excellence in our dress doesn’t mean fancy. I’m thinking it means appropriate, thoughtful. That can still be casual. I can put a little thought into how I present my casual self at home. Pull on a blouse instead of a tee shirt, wear shoes instead of slippers, comb my hair before dinner. I can show this regard for my husband, myself, the Lord.
Benefits include being more alert, lifting my spirits, and being ready for whatever business the day brings. If you have kiddos at home, they’ll see your example and pick up on your regard.
Scripture tells us clothing communicates. Someday we’ll put on the white garments the Lord has ready for us in heaven. Meanwhile, we’re His ambassadors here.
What’s a little something you can do to show thoughtfulness in your casual dress?
Thank you! This is something to think about! After reading, I wondered if how we prepare and present ourselves to the world helps to create our perspective of expectation as well. (The outside in so casual not wanting to be seen vs “I am ready for anything” attire…!)
Could be, Linda… What we expect and what others expect from us…