I’m a strange woman. I’m not fashion savvy and I hate to shop.

My bedroom closet was out of control. Katie, our 27-year-old daughter, spent a Friday night with us this spring. Katie knows clothes. I asked her to help me.

We piled everything–pants, shirts, belts, purses, shoes, and scarves–onto my unmade bed. Katie studied each item carefully before suggesting the give-away or keep pile. I agreed with her on most things, but a few times I questioned her smarts.

She placed a black shirt in the give-away pile. I got it out. “This is cute. Black looks good on everybody.”

“Whatever you think, Mom.” She picked up a pair of faded jeans.

“But don’t you think the skirt might work with this shirt?” I held up a black-and-white swirly printed blouse.

“Really, it’s your choice.” She smiled and kept working.

If she’d just argue with me I could change her mind.

But she wouldn’t. Whenever I disagreed she said, “I’m being honest, but it’s up to you.”

Then it hit me.

Katie knows fashion, color, and style. I’d asked for her advice. Her gentle answers were a lot like God’s responses when I argued with Him. He reveals Truth and allows me to make a choice.

But God, don’t You think…

But God, if I just…

But God, surely You didn’t mean…

I donated three tall kitchen trash bags of clothes, but Katie left me with a lot more than a clean closet. She inspired me to be quiet and listen more intently to the Master Designer. He knows best.

“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)

Love,

Julie