Technicolor Dream Closet

I have a new project that I’m kind of regretting: The Technicolor Dream Closet!

It’s an exercise in being content—no buying myself clothes, accessories, hair products, makeup, etc. for a year. That’s not the part I regret. I’m kind of regretting the blogging about it! Keeping myself accountable was the idea. But now I can’t wear my favorite Ireland tee (from Target, not Ireland, unfortunately) three times a week.

Anyway, more about the project: I am finding that when I’m frustrated with a freelancing project that is difficult, not going anywhere, and feels like (or might actually be) a colossal waste of time, the easiest solution is to stop and do something I’m good at, like read Dear Abby, or buy a new shirt. Same for when Isaac WILL NOT SLEEP, or squalls all afternoon and only takes a 30 minute nap, and is too fussy for us to go out and do something fun and worth blogging about. Or when I still feel post-baby frumpy and my skin’s terrible, or my haircut is a disaster (note: never return to a hairstylist who insists she is not giving you a ‘mom haircut’ and then is surprised by how young you are).

Instead of looking to Christ for my self-worth and keeping an eternal perspective, it’s easier to buy a skin product or new shoes for a distracting jolt of happiness. And shopping for pleasure isn’t the worst vice for sure; I look forward to doing it again sometime. But this year I want to fast from these quick-fixes to show God I’m opting out of this worldview and will seek His perspective instead of my own.

For me, I think abstaining from buying clothes for a year will be way more difficult than fasting from food for a day or so. Not buying stuff isn’t hard in itself, but I find I’m exposing how often I distract myself away from frustration instead of dealing with it.

In Luke 12:27-28 Jesus says, “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!”

The clothes are already there. So I’m opening my eyes to all that’s in front of me.