Last week started off pretty hectic. We had car drama at home. Multiple vehicles in need of repair with AAA roadside assistance involved. I tried to keep a level head. My schedule rearranged to drive everyone to work, and I added an early morning workout to the mix.

Feeling pretty good about myself, I made a delicious cup of coffee and prepped for a meeting with a new client. The meeting went great! I felt even better about myself.

I’m totally doing this. I’m working through all the stress and coming out on top. I told myself.

That night, as I was getting ready for bed, I realized that my shirt was on inside-out. 

All day, as I was feeling pretty good about myself, everyone I met saw the stitching of my blouse and tag sticking out the back.

Typical. The moment I start to feel like I’m doing a great job in life, I recognize the force the behind my success. I wasn’t doing a great job managing the stress. I was leaning into the Spirit within me  – the inside. My confidence in the meeting was not my own. The people in my meeting and throughout my day weren’t seeing my confidence or strength. No. Similar to the stitching facing outward on my shirt, every person I met actually saw the Holy Spirit strength in my soul.

I’m thankful for this embarrassing moment. Even if no one else noticed it, I’m reminded that my inner strength shows on the outside of me during stressful times.

That is what this season is all about, recognizing the source of all our blessings. I didn’t recognize the state of my appearance, and I often fail to recognize the blessings right in front of me.

Next weekend, I’m hosting a gratitude workshop at the Purple Paisley Local Artisan Shop. We’ll share stories of the good things in our lives and craft some Thanksgiving goodies.

Meditation

“”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

– Romans 15:13 NIV

Thank you, Jesus, for giving me Your Spirit. You bring me peace and hope in the most stressful of times. May Your Spirit shine through, inside-out, to every person I meet.