Betty lost her clothes

Betty lost her clothes the other day. Betty often loses her clothes. At the pool where we both attend Aquafit classes, it’s not unusual to see Betty wandering around checking the lockers in the change room because she’s forgotten where she left her things.

You see, Betty has problems with her short term memory. She has dementia.

People are pretty good about helping Betty out. We chat with her, reassure her, ask her questions and aid her in finding her lost possessions. Then all is well and Betty is off on the right track until the next time she forgets.

Betty got me thinking.

In some ways I am like her. I forget things too. As a Christian I sometimes suffer from spiritual dementia. I lose my way, I forget to put on my spiritual clothes. At times I can’t even find them.

What are these spiritual clothes?

There’s quite a wardrobe:

• garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61)
• a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3)
• a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness and patience (Colossians 3)
• garments of praise (Isaiah 61)
• the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, shoes of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6)
• Jesus Christ himself (Romans 13)

When I am swimming through the deep and troubled waters of life – when the wind and waves strip me naked or leave my clothes in tatters – I need help. I need to be reminded that it’s in God that I find all I need.  His Word is the anchor that keeps me from wandering too far. Prayer helps to re-establish my bearings and corrects my direction. It’s from the community of other believers that I receive comfort, reassurance and assistance.

That’s how I find my clothes again … just like Betty.

Yes, Betty lost her clothes.

Betty taught me a memorable lesson.

I’m so thankful for Betty.