GARLANDS FOR THE SOUL

What wraps around our secrets and leaves us feeling the most secure? That answer is never a single reply. But it is apparent that the garland used affects one's thinking and attitude in general.

No matter what we say or claim, when we act it betrays the truth of what is the most precious to our life. How amazing it is when our words contradict what we actually do.

But the problem is with garland for the soul is that when it comes from God, he is intended to serve his purpose. We do gain the benefit of some blessings in the process, but it doesn't mean that is the primary reason for its purpose.

Sometimes in an effort to soothe our own souls, we can lose sight of the real value to any spiritual garments. We focus on us, God wants us to lift up our eyes to a more important form of sight.

I am reminded so often that such garland may not even look spiritual. For what is needed to wrap around a given soul to give the person faith to obey won't always be outwardly what is clearly spiritual by some definitions.

It is so easy to hoist the banner of presumptive righteousness. We can impress others with a pennant of false purity that is woven with the right phrases and words.

What God weaves upon the heart is more focus on eternity. It is a fabric that slowly helps to heal the eyes of being so absorbed with just seeing the self and making one's life seem like the center of the universe.

Most important of all is the fact that God's garland for the soul truly has a natural feel. It fits us so well. And never has that sense of making one feel uncomfortable if you truly embrace its meaning.

Whereas those garlands that are artificial may look more impressive, but they are often composes of some plastic essence that just never truly makes one feel at ease with its fabric. This is by intent on the Lord's part.

It is his spirit nudging us to get us to appreciate how we are not suppose to lust for what is artificial and instead crave the genuine. But that requires us to truly be willing to feel the garland for its actual value.

When we do it comforts in a way that no longer frets over the peering gaze of judgmental eyes. We can feel satisfied with the touch and not worry about how the color appears to others.

This is the legacy in point of the garments God gave to Adam and Eve after their fall from grace. In our case it is a down payment of redemptive promise. It is an assurance to help keep us warmed by the Lord's love when others will fail. May we all learn to embrace it for its true worth.