What a make-over! Today we see overnight changes to appearances simply by restyling the hair, applying makeup in the correct manner, and choosing clothes that fit and accentuate one’s features more appropriately. I think of the show, “What Not To Wear.” Or you may remember the makeover scene from the movie, “Princess Diaries” where an unlikely young woman now must act like the princess she didn’t know she was. The list goes on to include “Pretty Woman,” “Miss Congeniality” — you get the idea.
What these all have in common is that these individuals needed to be ready for something, or needed to improve their place in life thinking that changing their outer beauty would do it. You’ve probably seen countless before and after pictures on social media showing weight loss, skin improvement, muscle tone, etc. Our society eats that stuff up. Interesting that Esther went through something similar, isn’t it?
What do you think about 12 months of beauty treatments? That is a long time. There was probably a lot of expense involved, too. The king deserved the only the best after all. Appearances were everything. From what we’ve read so far, it seems like this king was very generous, liked his power, and enjoyed beautiful things. He has quite a line up of women in his harems, not to mention a queen. Life was different then to be sure.
Esther was different. The king could see that from the beginning. What do you think Esther thought when the king placed the crown on her head? Was this the prize she was looking for? Was she star struck by the king and his affections? She was obviously not totally at ease for she continued to keep the secret of her nationality.
How are you preparing yourself for your own mission? The first thing to do is be clear on what your mission is. Who are you serving? What things do you need to change in yourself to be a better servant? A twelve month spa date sounds good, but I’m sure that isn’t what will move you forward in your mission.
If you’re not clear on which direction to go, ask God. Sometimes we think we need to be the ones to figure it all out. We often get stuck doing the same things over and over because we’re not clear on how to be ready for a bigger task.
It all comes down to stewardship and how well we manage what we have. Are you focusing on too many things? When we can figure out how to juggle a job, time with God, a family, a hobby, a volunteer opportunity, etc., and do it well, then we can take on something new. Be a good steward of what God has entrusted to you.
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me when I go off on tangents and focus on the wrong things. Help me to feel more productive and useful. I want to be ready for the mission you have for me. As I share my reflections each day, I pray that you will use them. It is such an honor to be able to serve you in this way. Grant me the courage to continue. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
