material girl

Do you remember the feeling you used to get opening your new box of crayons on the first day of school (IF you could wait that long…)? The exhilaration of all those colors and the thrill of the wonderful potential that lay in that little box.

I got to relive that glorious sensation today.

There is a large market in the middle of town. It has absolutely everything, and is known as the place to get things wholesale. It is a confusing, chaotic maze of stalls overflowing haphazardly with wares. And one corner of this market has rows and rows of fabric shops—three floors of them! Oh, gorgeous burst of visual and tactile (or should I say textile?) intoxication!

Don't get me wrong. I am not a seamstress. I wouldn't actually know how to make much with these beautiful bolts of fabric. But it doesn't matter! The colors, the patterns, the textures. Not only is the cloth full of creative promise, the fabric itself is often a work of art.

I wandered around this magic land for about two hours today, my senses filled to overflowing, and returned home happy. (No, I didn't buy anything, I was helping a friend find fabric for a dress, and just gathered swatches this time. But OH what fun!)

It was also very encouraging interpersonally there. Most vendors were accommodating and excited to show me what they had, especially because I communicated with them in the local language. Not that that's all that unusual, but their demeanor seemed more positive and helpful than normal. (Or is it possible that MY attitude was the changed one?)

One funny moment came when I was answering a lady's question and said, "Yes, yes." Another passer-by heard me and said to her friend, "Oh, that foreigner knows a LOT of our language! Did you hear her? She said, 'Yes, yes.'" HA! Really?? That's all it takes to impress around here? Sheesh.

Besides that obvious highlight, it was an over-all good day. I tried a new yoga routine this morning, and HOLY COW thought I was going to die. This instructor is tough. How tough, you ask? I sat down to study the Bible right after the workout (actually, right after a shower, which was right after the workout) and I tried to take notes. It was actually an effort to write, my arms were so rubbery tired.

(No, not rubber tires—rubbery, from being tired!)

In spite of my physical fatigue, my time with God was really good. He challenged, comforted, and called to me today. It felt very personal. I cried a little bit.

Come to think of it, that is probably the reason the rest of the day was so good, not my trip to fabric heaven. He sat with me as I looked for Him, spoke to my heart, and then opened my eyes to the beauty around me so that I could find it easily today.

Very grateful.