Embrace the Mess

I think we can all agree that life is messy. We are all born with a blank canvas and it seems like the more time we are on this earth, the messier things get. Sometimes it's like there is no rhyme or reason to the things that happen to and around us. If you're Type A like me than this can be really stressful. My friends would tell you that if I'm ever faced with a project that involves anything abstract and messy, my head starts to spin and my palms sweat. I like for things to be orderly, neat, and planned ahead of time because ultimately I want to ensure that the outcome of said project turns out the way it "should". Newsflash: that is not real life. 

Our blank canvas gets covered by different colors splattered all over it and if you zoom in on a small part of the canvas, it probably looks pretty ugly. But when you take a step back, you realize how all those messy splatters come together and make something beautiful. I've found that whenever I'm faced with those abstract projects, if I let go of my need to be "perfect" and instead just have fun with it, it's actually an enjoyable and liberating experience. The final product never turns out exactly how I envisioned it, but when I look back I'm not going to care how my painting came out because I had so much fun doing the painting. That's what I want my life to be like. I want to look back on the situations that didn't turn out the way I had hoped but feel joy because of how God revealed himself to me and taught me. 

Yesterday, a dear friend of mine asked the question, "Who do you say God is today?" I love that she added today in there because who God is to me can change based on who I need God to be and what "mess" is in front of me. For instance, if I'm struggling with discontentment, I would say that God is enough; if I need a reminder that he is in control, I would say that God is sovereign; if I want to meditate on his promises, I would say that God is faithful. My list could go on, but you get the drift. How I answer this question reveals what's on my heart in this moment. The beautiful thing about God is that he has so many names, descriptions and characteristics. I have to remind myself that in the midst of all the messes life throws my way, God is still God, and sometimes I can't fully appreciate what he's doing until I take a step back.

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. 

– A. W. Tozer

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

– Isaiah 55:8-9

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

– Romans 11:33-36

Photography by Justin James

How cool is this skirt?! I bought it on Last Call at Neiman Marcus and was a little nervous at first because it's such a bold and "out there" piece. But as I'm trying to push the limits of the norm in my personal life, I challenge myself to do the same with my fashion. Here, I've paired it with a loose crop top, funky jewelry and my blue suede heels but for the office, I'd tuck a tight fitted black top into it and wear black pumps with more classic jewelry and simply let the skirt do all the talking. As the weather cools down even more, I'll throw on some black pantyhose with booties and a leather jacket. Don't you just love statement pieces that you can mix and match in so many ways? I'm thrilled whenever something I am nervous about buying ends up being one of my favorite pieces!

Milly Skirt: sold out (similar here)

Socialite Pink jewelry: Luna necklace $108 | Daphne earrings $24 | Gabriella bracelet $38 | Sheila bracelet $39 | Audrina bracelet $39 

Watch: Michael Kors (old)

Pink Tourmaline ring: David Yurman (special order)

Black poison ring: Vintage

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