The Alabaster Room

Ever wondered what would happen if you were able to be a fly on the wall in your school, in your place of work or even in your own home? First of all, knowing me and my clumsiness, I wouldn't even last on the wall! HA! Oh wait, did I say that out loud? Anywho... back on track here. I've had moments where I often wonder this. I guess it comes from watching that all too famous movie that I watch every Christmas - It's a Wonderful Life. Ever seen it? Ahh!! It gets me everytime I watch it. You've gotta see it, just once... for me.

It's about a man named George Bailey who takes over his father's financial business when he passes away. Well, there's a money-hungry banker in town who's always had his greedy eyes on George's bank. When George winds up in business trouble thanks to his Uncle, he's at a complete and desperate loss. He jumps off a bridge only to be rescued by his guardian angel, Clarence.  Clarence takes him through a journey that walks him through his lifetime where he doesn't even exist! How different things were without his existance... now, he winds up praying to God at the end saying he wants his life back because he didn't like seeing where his town and family was without him.

Now, the cool thing about this movie was that George got an unusual gift - he was able to witness what the world around him was like without his presence there. It was not so great... it showed him that he definately had a place in his society and in the lives of the people around him. At the end of the movie, it was Christmas Eve and his lovely wife, Mary, went and gathered people from the community that George had helped over the years with the building and loan company that he ran. As he sat in his living room with his wife and children.... the people came pouring in - with money - to help him keep his business and family afloat. And each and every one of those people had wonderful things to say to him as they walked in to bless him! The funnest part - his angel, Clarence, finally got his wings!

What impact do you make on the people around you - whether you know them or not? If you were a fly on the wall, what would they say about you? Would your world be dramatically different if you did not exist? What kind of legacy do you leave? I have to ask myself the same questions... however, I challenge you to truly take a closer look at what image you are portraying to your significant other, your children, your family, friends, co-workers/employer, even strangers. Your actions, your language, even your thoughts. Tricky, isn't it? Even the littlest things make a huge difference! God calls us to purity and holiness... to be a direct reflection of his heart toward his children. As women, we have a unique opportunity to reflect that in such a beautiful and dignified way... so shine on, ladies, shine on!!