If higher price means higher quality, then I must be a Cadillac among women.
Take haircuts, for example. Once upon a time I let my hair grow long and carefree and occasionally popped into Super Cuts for a trim. Now, my shorter mom ‘do requires a trip to the Aveda salon every eight weeks for some serious pampering and product stock-up. Plus the gray strand I plucked yesterday says I might be adding a regular color job soon, too. Great.
And let’s talk about jeans. There’s a certain kind of style necessary for the post-baby bod—you know it, girls—and sadly, high-dollar fashion designers understand how to mold a momma’s butt better than my budget allows. But forget the budget, we all need a hot pair of jeans. So I figure out a way to pay, amen?
Oo, and have you ever stared horrified in the mirror at a wrinkle that you swear did not occupy your pretty face the day before? Cha-ching! Welcome a three-step clinical skin care regimen designed to restore elasticity and youthful glow—for the cost of a small monthly car payment.
Of course that’s just exterior maintenance. Never mind the cocktail of vitamins, medicines, and office visits designed to combat age-induced ailments like stomachaches, backaches, and eye strain. Those don’t come cheap.
I was so much less expensive ten years ago. But all this forking over cash to tend my 30-something self has taught me a priceless lesson.
I’m worth it.
Every penny.
And this is why:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these,” (Mark 12:30–31, emphasis mine).
“After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church,” (Ephesians 5:29, emphasis mine).
Do you get the key point here? The Bible assumes we love ourselves. It’s a basic premise of scripture. Yes, we are to be generous and humble and forgiving. But that doesn’t mean we’re supposed to neglect ourselves in the process.
Now let’s go one step further.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship,” (Romans 12:1, emphasis mine).
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies,” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20, emphasis mine).
In biblical times, did God’s people offer up the scrawniest goat in the field? No! They sacrificed the fattened calf, the best of the flock. If our own bodies are a living sacrifice, if God owns us—heart, soul, mind and body—then shouldn’t we owe it to him to invest wisely in his property?
Don’t get me wrong. All women are beautiful and valuable in God’s sight, whether they charge ridiculous bills on overnight eye cream or not. God cares about our hearts far more than our looks (1 Samuel 16:7).
But that’s my point.
I’m learning to have a heart filled with love—for myself. To me that sometimes means good haircuts, designer jeans, and believing I’m worthy of strong physical and mental health, especially as I get older.
I’m a mom, after all. I spend the majority of my time taking care of other people. By taking care of myself, too, I’m giving my family a happier version of me—and teaching my kids how to love themselves the way God intended.
Minus the pricey jeans, of course. Hand-me-downs are good enough for my little chicks. Some perks should only come with age.
Linking up with: The Better Mom, Playdates With God, Momma Notes, Titus 2sdays, Wifey Wednesday, Grace at Home, Thriving Thursdays and Things I Can’t Say.
As a Mom, my two must-haves are a good haircut (by myself) and decent schoes (I’m on my feet all day!). The rest can wait until I have the time to bother, but you’re right, loving myself is key to loving the ones God has given me. Visiting from Playdates.
Decent shoes… I have to catch on to that one. My running shoes are older than my firstborn child. Shameful. 🙂
I’m like you, Becky. I’m much more expensive these days than I ever was when I was young! But I think that some of what I’m spending my money on is “wishful thinking!” I must say that the verses you’ve shared really do remind us that we need to take good care of our bodies. But I want to be like you, Becky and focus most of my energies on my heart. After all, our hearts (and I’m not talking about the one that beats in my chest) never really age, do they? 🙂
Age, no, but do they mature – I sure hope so, Beth! That’s the lifetime goal. And I think I’m spending my money on wishful thinking, too, ha ha. It always blesses me to hear from you here!
Hi Becky! I’m visiting from Playdates.
But even at ‘expensive’ we are still worth it, and I love your examples. I occasionally get a manicure or pedicure, and I never did that as a young Mom. We are so precious to the Lord, and to our loved ones. A little attention to ‘me’ is ok, as long we move ahead!
So nice to meet you today 🙂
Ceil
Thanks so much for visiting, Ceil! It’s fun to meet you, too. And I agree… moving ahead is always the focus. Blessings!
I am in my mid-40s and agree with you. The only thing is that I still have long hair (with some gray strands), that only gets trimmed about once a quarter. I don’t wear make-up, which helps with the complexion. I am still a little lucky with the body. I should exercise, but don’t.
There are days I want to run for the salon, nail place and department store, only because I feel like I deserve it. Not the right attitude because it is from a selfish heart. That is the worst part I find in being a mom. Feeling guilty for not doing it and wanting to do it.
I love this article and agree with it. My heart and head are at battle, as well as the budget. (HA HA HA)
Lanelle
You’re so right, Lanelle – we can feel guilty on both sides of the coin, which is just crazy, isn’t it? The heart and head battle is long-fought. And about that budget… I have to laugh because I’m actually really budget-minded and believe it’s important to be good stewards of what God gave us… but hey, when I find that pair of jeans, I find a way to fudge the numbers in my favor. 🙂
Adorable post 🙂 I like it, I’m worth it!
You are SO worth, it, Nannette! 🙂
This made me smile. I’m so happy you went in the direction of “I’m worth it” rather than talking about denying ourselves. Am reminded that we are to love our neighbor AS ourselves, which means if we expect to be able to show love and respect for others, we have to take care of ourselves as well.
Becky, I just had to click on your title in the Messy Marriage Linkup. I can soooo relate. My post today is jumping into the “What I Wore” link up and part of me is cringing…thinking “Am I Crazy?” If I let the evil one tell me everything I think is wrong with me, the cost would be more than dollars. Love your message here.
Kim
WONDERFUL post, Becky! I featured you at this week’s Grace at Home–thank you for linking up!