Dressed for the occasion

The other night I went to a friend's daughter's birthday party. Now, I've been to a lot of parties, but all of them in my own town. This one was in another town (which in a place like this makes a difference). So I got ready at home, caught a taxi, and met a teammate at her house to walk to the event with her neighbors.

But as soon as I arrived at the teammate's house I realized a problem: I was dressed differently from them.

See, in my town most parties require a certain dress protocol. The other dress protocol is reserved for extremely important events. I figured that a 6 year old's birthday wasn't quite as big a deal.

Me in the normal party attire (with a good friend)

And I was wrong.

My teammate's neighbors greeted me with, "why didn't you wear a (special matching shirt)?"

"I didn't know I should wear one," I replied.

"Ah. Well, I have one. Should I give it to you?"

"Is it better for me to wear one?"

"Well, it would be very beautiful." (hint: yes you should borrow one)

So I went to the neighbor's house to change. I traded in my inappropriate attire for appropriate attire to the point that the only recognizable part of my former outfit were my earrings and shoes.

And the party was fun.

Me with the girl who loaned me a set of clothes

But it reminded me of a story. A story of a wedding feast where someone came inappropriately dressed. He was turned out of the party because he failed to meet the requirement of wedding guests: dressing up.

Of course I wouldn't have been turned away at the party but it was still important to them that I dress like everyone else.

And just like the neighbor gave me clothes to wear that fit the occasion so I've been given robes of righteousness to wear for that wedding in the future. Without which clothes I couldn't enter the presence of the Groom.

Notice the matching shirts?

Being here I have the opportunity to help others into appropriate attire so that when the day comes they'll not be found under-dressed.

In fact, even during the birthday party I had friends asking me about my beliefs and practices. Always be ready to give an answer, right? And these days my language skills are to the point that I can give decent answers to such questions. PTL!

Praise: language is still chugging along. For friends here in the community that I enjoy being with. For things falling into place for planning English classes.

Pray: for the rest of the details in planning fall classes. For upcoming opportunities to share as we're approaching the month of fasting here. For good health and continued language acquisition.

Bonus: the sound guy had style.