After I got married, I have been learning to spend the money more wisely and carefully.With that said, I have to consider a lot more than what I did in the past when I go out to shop. My basic principle is only to spend on what is needed, e.g. food and household necessities. However, at times it is very hard for me to resist the temptation to shop again, especially when I see people dressing up so beautifully, with nice make-up, accessories, bag, and shoes. So, after a few months of holding back my desire to shop, I went shopping again yesterday, and ended up buying 2 pair of pants and a summer dress. However, after I left the store, I felt guilty for buying them. I have been thinking whether or not I should return some of them.
There are several reasons that make me think that I shouldn't have bought them. One reason why I felt guilty was that I violated my basic principle. I bought them just because I like them; the color, the cut, the pattern were very nice on me. They are also very comfortable, and not to mention that they are in-style. Another reason was that I was afraid if my bad habit would come back. Even though I don't shop as much as before, but somehow I am still very attracted to buy new clothes once in awhile, especially during the sale season, knowingly that there are still plenty of clothes at home. Moreover, just about a week ago, I was mad at my husband for I thought he was wasting money by buying lunch outside, though that time was already pretty late, and we both had not yet ate much since the morning. Because of this selfishness of mine, I felt guiltier by buying those new clothes for my own pleasure. So, on my way back home, I thought again about my doing in spending about $50 on those 3 new clothes, especially the dress.
On the other hand, I thought that it is normal for girls (and women too) to look charming, as lots of people advice the married women to maintain their appearance, not only for themselves, but also for the husband. However, I questioned myself if keeping up with the fashion trend is the right way to look attractive. The older generation might say that we can always look nice by dressing up appropriately, clean, and neatly, which I somehow agree. So, does it mean I should really return them though I like them so much? After I talked to my husband, and somehow confessed about this "sin", my husband graciously told me that I don't need to return them, and would like me to keep the dress for our future dates. I was so touched by his response, and decided to keep all of them as he said. Though I promised to control myself more with this habit in the future. Please help me, Lord!
All in all, after a deep thought and reflection about this issue, and how to solve this problem of mine, I was reminded by what Jesus taught in His sermon "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25) Moreover, the Scripture also says that, "...beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:4-5) For "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30)
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