Easter Dress
Easter was great this year – Mass with my entire family (even my sister who lately has been intrigued by the Islam faith – long story), followed by a meal together, and then a day of reading, egg hunting, volleyball, bingo and just relaxation at the park.
This morning I was thinking about my daughter’s new Easter dress. Yesterday, when my daughter put on her bright white dress with pink flowers, I could see her smile just light up the room. I could tell she felt beautiful. People complimented her and smiled as she walked by in church – I felt like my prized jewel was on display.
It’s funny how a dress can make you feel special and beautiful and confident. It’s happened to me before. Even when every other day of the year I loathe some part of my body, all it takes is the right dress to make me feel beautiful. The right dress that you’re not only comfortable in, but that you know compliments you in just the right places. When that dress is on, you can’t help but think that everyone can see the beauty they may have overlooked before.
Knowing how good my daughter felt when people complimented her, I made it a point to compliment other little girls yesterday. It worked every time – the girls would raise their chins a little higher and the smiles would go from ear-to-ear.
I think we all need to hear compliments from time to time – it’s a reminder of the good in us. The RCIA instructor at my parish (Elaine) says 99% of us is gold and 1% is shadow, but most of the time we focus on the negative 1% and forget about how good and beautiful we actually are. I agree. We should all be more accepting of the good in us, and be better about recognizing it in those around us.
